Frostbite with tissue necrosis of left wrist, subs encntr

This code signifies frostbite affecting the left wrist that has progressed to tissue death (necrosis). It indicates that the patient is receiving follow-up care for this specific injury, rather than the initial treatment. The necrosis implies significant damage requiring ongoing management.

Apply this code when a patient presents for subsequent treatment of frostbite to the left wrist, and documentation confirms the presence of tissue necrosis. This includes visits for wound care, debridement, skin grafting, or monitoring of the necrotic tissue after the initial frostbite injury has been addressed. It is appropriate for any encounter following the initial acute care.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left wrist" and "tissue necrosis" for accurate code assignment.
• The "D" seventh character indicates a subsequent encounter, meaning the patient is receiving routine care during the healing or recovery phase.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of the frostbite; a code with an "A" seventh character would be appropriate for the initial encounter.