Burn of third degree of right shoulder, sequela

This code signifies a permanent scar, contracture, or other long-term complication resulting from a third-degree burn that occurred on the patient's right shoulder. A third-degree burn involves full-thickness skin destruction, often extending into subcutaneous tissue, and its sequelae represent the chronic effects after the acute injury has healed.

Apply this code when documenting the late effects of a healed third-degree burn to the right shoulder, such as scar tissue, disfigurement, or functional impairment. This is used after the initial burn treatment is complete and the patient is presenting for management of the residual complications.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., scar, contracture).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the burn was third-degree and located on the right shoulder, with the current encounter addressing a late effect.
• Do not use this code for acute burn treatment; it is exclusively for chronic complications.