Burn of second degree of unspecified wrist, init encntr

This code signifies a partial-thickness burn affecting the wrist, characterized by blistering, significant pain, and redness. The burn involves the epidermis and dermis but does not extend into deeper tissues. The specific wrist (left or right) is not documented.

This code is appropriate for the initial treatment of a second-degree burn to the wrist when the laterality is not specified in the medical record. It would be used for the first encounter for this specific injury, such as in an emergency department or initial clinic visit.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "second degree" and "wrist" for accurate assignment.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this burn. Subsequent care would require a different seventh character.
• If laterality (left or right wrist) is documented, a more specific code should be selected.