Burn of third degree of unspecified shoulder, sequela

This code signifies a healed or residual condition resulting from a third-degree burn that previously affected an unspecified shoulder. A third-degree burn involves full-thickness destruction of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and often underlying tissue, leading to permanent scarring, contractures, or other long-term complications. The "sequela" indicates that the acute burn injury has resolved, and the code is used to report the lasting effects.

This code is appropriate when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic complication or residual effect directly attributable to a past third-degree burn of the shoulder, where the specific side (left or right) was not documented or is unknown. Examples include reporting scar contractures, chronic pain, or functional impairment in the shoulder area due to a prior full-thickness burn. It should be used for follow-up care related to the long-term consequences, not the initial acute burn treatment.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous third-degree burn.
• If the specific shoulder (left or right) is documented, use the more specific code (T22.351S or T22.352S).
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute burn; it is exclusively for sequelae.