Contact with running hot water, initial encounter

This code signifies an injury resulting from direct contact with hot water that is actively flowing, such as from a faucet, shower, or hose. It specifically applies to the initial presentation of the patient for this injury.

Use this code for patients presenting with burns, scalds, or other injuries sustained from touching running hot water. This includes incidents like a child accidentally turning on a hot water faucet or an adult being scalded by a burst hot water pipe.

• Ensure the encounter is the initial treatment for the injury; subsequent care will require a different seventh character.
• Always code the nature of the injury (e.g., thermal burn) first, followed by this external cause code.
• Verify that the water was running at the time of contact, as opposed to standing hot water.