Corrosion of third degree of left ear, initial encounter

This code signifies a severe chemical burn affecting the left ear, excluding the eardrum. "Corrosion" indicates tissue damage caused by a corrosive substance, and "third degree" implies full-thickness destruction of the skin and underlying tissues.

This code is appropriate for initial encounters where a patient presents with a third-degree chemical burn to any part of the left outer or middle ear, but not the tympanic membrane. This could result from exposure to strong acids, bases, or other corrosive agents.

• Verify the laterality (left ear) and the degree of the burn (third degree) are clearly documented.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "corrosion" or "chemical burn" to differentiate from thermal burns.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for this specific injury; subsequent care would use a different seventh character.