Frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified ear, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from frostbite that caused tissue death in an unspecified ear. The necrosis indicates severe, irreversible damage to the ear tissue due to freezing temperatures.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting for treatment of a condition that is a direct consequence of a past frostbite injury to the ear, where the original injury involved tissue necrosis. This includes conditions like chronic pain, disfigurement, or functional impairment directly attributable to the necrotic frostbite.

• Requires a seventh character of 'S' to indicate a sequela (late effect).
• Do not use for acute frostbite; this code is for residual conditions after the initial injury has healed.
• Code any current manifestations or complications of the sequela in addition to this code.