Full-thickness skin loss [third degree nos]

This code represents a severe burn or injury characterized by complete destruction of the epidermis and dermis, extending into subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone. It signifies a full-thickness tissue defect where the skin's regenerative capacity is lost, often resulting in a leathery, charred, or waxy appearance.

Use this code for documented third-degree burns or other full-thickness skin loss injuries where the specific cause or body site is not further specified. This code is appropriate when the medical record clearly indicates full-thickness tissue destruction, but lacks detail for more specific ICD-9-CM burn codes.

• Always attempt to code to a more specific burn code (e.g., by site and extent) if documentation allows.
• This code is for "not otherwise specified" full-thickness loss; avoid using if a more precise anatomical site is documented.
• Remember to also code the external cause of the injury (E-code) to provide a complete picture of the patient's condition.