Burn of second degree of unspecified ear, initial encounter

This code signifies a partial-thickness burn affecting any external part of the ear, excluding the eardrum, where blistering and significant pain are typically present. The injury involves the epidermis and part of the dermis, but not the full thickness of the skin. This specific code is used for the initial treatment of such a burn.

Apply this code when a patient presents for the first time with a second-degree burn to an unspecified ear, such as from a hot liquid splash, contact with a hot object, or a chemical exposure. It is appropriate for the initial evaluation and management of the burn injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies a second-degree burn and identifies the ear as the affected body part.
• Confirm that the encounter is the initial treatment for this specific burn injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• If the specific ear (left or right) is documented, a more specific code should be chosen.