Corrosion of first degree of unspecified ear, sequela

This code indicates a first-degree corrosion (chemical burn) affecting any part of the ear, excluding the eardrum, where the injury's acute phase has passed and the patient is now experiencing a sequela (late effect) of that injury. First-degree corrosion typically involves only the epidermis, presenting with redness and mild pain without blistering.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a long-term complication or residual effect directly attributable to a past first-degree chemical burn to the external or middle ear (excluding the tympanic membrane). This applies when the original injury is no longer active but has left a lasting impact, such as scarring, altered sensation, or chronic irritation.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) to identify the circumstances of the corrosion.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states the injury is a "sequela" or "late effect" and that the acute phase has resolved.
• Do not use this code for active, acute first-degree corrosions; use the acute phase code (T20.01x) instead.