Contact with hot drinks, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late-effect condition resulting from a previous injury caused by contact with hot beverages. It indicates that the initial burn or scald has healed, but the patient is now experiencing residual problems directly attributable to that past incident. These sequelae can include chronic pain, scarring, contractures, or functional limitations.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current health issue that is a direct consequence of a burn or scald from hot drinks that occurred in the past. This applies when the acute phase of the original injury has resolved, and the current encounter is for managing or treating the lasting effects. Examples include scar revision surgery for a healed hot coffee burn or physical therapy for a contracture from a past hot tea scald.

• Always sequence this sequela code first, followed by a code describing the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., scar, contracture).
• Do not use this code for acute or active burns from hot drinks; those require codes from the T20-T32 range.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past hot drink burn for appropriate code assignment.