Burn of mouth and pharynx

This code signifies thermal or chemical injury affecting the oral cavity and/or the pharynx. This includes burns to the tongue, lips, gums, palate, and the throat area. The injury can result from ingestion of hot liquids/foods, caustic substances, or direct flame/steam exposure.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a burn injury localized to the mouth and/or pharynx. This is appropriate for cases involving accidental ingestion of corrosives, scalding from hot beverages, or smoke inhalation injuries with documented pharyngeal involvement. Supporting documentation should clearly identify the affected anatomical sites within the oral cavity or pharynx.

• Always code the external cause of the burn (E-code) in addition to the burn itself.
• Do not use for burns limited to the skin of the face or lips externally; these would fall under integumentary burn codes.
• Consider additional codes for associated complications, such as dysphagia or respiratory distress, if documented.