Contact w oth hot objects, undetermined intent, subs encntr

This code signifies an injury resulting from contact with a hot object, where the intent (accidental, self-harm, assault) cannot be determined. The "D" seventh character indicates that this is a subsequent encounter for the injury, meaning the patient is receiving follow-up care after the initial treatment.

Apply this code when a patient presents for ongoing treatment of a burn or other injury caused by a hot object, and documentation explicitly states or strongly implies that the intent of the contact is unknown. This is appropriate for follow-up visits, cast changes, or medication refills related to the initial injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly supports "undetermined intent" and that the encounter is not the initial treatment.
• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) as a secondary diagnosis to provide more detail about the circumstances of the injury.
• Do not use for initial encounters; instead, select the appropriate "A" (initial encounter) seventh character.