Burn of unspecified degree of right ear, initial encounter

This code signifies a burn injury to the right ear, excluding the eardrum, where the depth of the burn (e.g., first, second, or third degree) is not documented. It indicates the initial treatment or evaluation of this specific burn.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a burn to their right outer ear, and the medical record does not specify the burn's degree. This is appropriate for the first encounter for this burn, such as in an emergency department or initial clinic visit.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "right ear" and does not specify the burn degree.
• Do not use if the burn degree (e.g., superficial, partial thickness, full thickness) is clearly documented; instead, use a more specific T20.1-T20.3 code.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for this specific burn injury. Subsequent care would use a different seventh character.