Burn of third degree of right shoulder, initial encounter

This code signifies a full-thickness burn affecting the right shoulder, meaning the injury has destroyed all layers of the skin and potentially underlying tissue. The burn presents with charring, leathery appearance, or deep white/waxy areas, and is typically insensate.

Apply this code for the initial treatment of a patient presenting with a third-degree burn specifically located on their right shoulder. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or the first outpatient encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "third degree" and "right shoulder."
• Verify this is the initial encounter for treatment of this burn; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always code the extent of the burn (T31.-) and the external cause (V00-Y99) in addition to the specific burn site code.