Burn of first degree of left forearm, sequela

This code signifies a healed first-degree burn on the left forearm, where the patient is now experiencing a long-term complication or residual effect from the original injury. A first-degree burn involves only the epidermis, causing redness and mild pain, but no blistering. The "sequela" indicates that the acute burn has resolved, but a lasting issue directly attributable to that burn persists.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic condition or late effect stemming from a previously sustained first-degree burn on their left forearm. Examples include persistent discoloration, scarring (even if minimal from a first-degree burn), or altered sensation in the affected area, long after the initial burn has healed. This code is appropriate when the patient is no longer in the acute phase of burn treatment.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) in conjunction with this code to describe the circumstances of the burn.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition as a direct sequela of the past first-degree burn.
• Do not use this code for acute burns; the "S" seventh character indicates a sequela.