Burn of third degree of left shoulder, initial encounter

This code signifies a full-thickness burn affecting the left shoulder, indicating damage to all layers of the skin and potentially underlying tissue. Third-degree burns are characterized by a leathery, waxy, or charred appearance and typically result in nerve damage, leading to a lack of sensation in the affected area.

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

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "left shoulder" and "third degree" to support this code.
• Confirm 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.