Burn of third degree of right wrist, initial encounter

This code signifies a severe burn affecting the full thickness of the skin and underlying tissues on the patient's right wrist. Such a burn typically presents with a leathery, waxy, or charred appearance, often with no pain due to nerve damage. It requires significant medical intervention for healing.

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

• Ensure the burn is explicitly documented as third-degree and located on the right wrist.
• Verify this is the initial encounter for treatment of this specific burn. Subsequent care will require a different encounter character.
• Always code the extent of the burn (T31.-) and the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) affected, if documented.