Burns of 30-39% of body surface w 20-29% third degree burns

This code signifies a severe burn injury affecting a significant portion of the patient's total body surface area (TBSA). Specifically, it indicates that between 30% and 39% of the body has sustained burns, with a substantial component (20-29%) of those burns being full-thickness (third-degree) injuries. These burns typically involve destruction of the epidermis and dermis, often extending into subcutaneous tissue, and require extensive medical intervention.

Use this code for patients presenting with extensive mixed-degree burns where the total body surface area involved is between 30% and 39%, and the third-degree component of those burns is specifically documented as 20% to 29%. This is applicable in cases of severe thermal, chemical, or electrical burns requiring hospitalization, critical care, and potentially surgical debridement and grafting.

• Ensure the physician documentation clearly specifies both the total burn surface area (TBSA) and the percentage of third-degree burns.
• Do not use this code if the percentages fall outside the 30-39% TBSA or 20-29% third-degree ranges; select a more appropriate code.
• Remember to also code for the specific site(s) of the burn, any associated complications (e.g., inhalation injury), and the external cause of the burn.