Corrosion of third degree of right ear, sequela

This code signifies a third-degree corrosion injury to the right ear, excluding the eardrum, where the acute injury has healed but its long-term effects or complications are now being treated. Third-degree corrosion involves full-thickness tissue destruction, often leading to significant scarring, disfigurement, or functional impairment. This 'sequela' designation indicates that the current encounter addresses a residual condition stemming from that past severe chemical burn.

Use this code when documenting the treatment of a chronic or residual condition resulting from a third-degree chemical burn to the right ear (excluding the eardrum), such as scar contractures, chronic pain, disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery, or impaired hearing due to tissue damage. This code is appropriate for follow-up care long after the initial acute injury has resolved.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., scar, pain).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the injury was a third-degree corrosion and specifies the right ear, excluding the eardrum.
• Verify that the encounter is for the late effects of the injury, not the initial acute treatment.