Burns of 80-89% of body surface w 70-79% third degree burns

This code signifies a severe burn injury affecting a very large portion of the patient's total body surface area (TBSA), specifically between 80% and 89%. Within this extensive burn, a significant majority, 70% to 79%, are classified as full-thickness (third-degree) burns, indicating deep tissue destruction. Such injuries are life-threatening and require intensive medical intervention.

This code is appropriate for patients presenting with extensive burn injuries where the physician documentation clearly specifies a TBSA involvement of 80-89% and a third-degree burn component of 70-79% of the total body surface. It is typically used in acute care settings, such as emergency departments or burn centers, for initial assessment and ongoing management of critically burned patients.

• Ensure physician documentation explicitly states both the total body surface area burned and the percentage of third-degree burns.
• Do not use this code if the percentages for total burn or third-degree burn fall outside the specified ranges (e.g., 79% TBSA or 69% third-degree).
• Remember to also code for the specific burn sites (e.g., T20-T25 series) and any associated complications.