Burn of third degree of unspecified axilla, sequela

This code indicates a third-degree burn that occurred in the past and is now causing ongoing health problems or complications in the axilla (armpit) region. A third-degree burn involves full-thickness destruction of the skin, often extending into subcutaneous tissue, and can result in significant scarring, contractures, or nerve damage. The "unspecified" nature means the specific side (left or right) of the axilla is not documented.

Use this code when a patient presents with a current condition or complication directly resulting from a previously sustained third-degree burn to an unspecified axilla. This includes chronic pain, hypertrophic scarring, keloids, contractures limiting range of motion, or other long-term sequelae. It is appropriate when the initial acute burn has healed, but its lasting effects are being treated.

• Always assign a sequela code (ending in "S") when the patient is being treated for a complication or late effect of a healed burn.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past third-degree burn of the axilla.
• If the specific axilla (left or right) is documented, use a more specific code from the T22.34- series.