Burn of third degree of left wrist, sequela

This code signifies a third-degree burn on the left wrist where the acute injury has healed, but the patient is still experiencing residual effects or complications. These sequelae can include scarring, contractures, chronic pain, or functional limitations resulting from the original deep burn.

Apply this code when documenting the long-term consequences or late effects of a third-degree burn to the left wrist, after the initial burn wound has closed. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing ongoing issues related to the burn, rather than the acute burn treatment itself.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, with the primary diagnosis reflecting the specific sequela being treated (e.g., scar, contracture).
• Ensure documentation clearly indicates the left wrist as the affected site and that the burn was third-degree.
• The "S" in the seventh character indicates sequela, meaning it's used for complications or conditions arising as a direct result of a previous injury.