Burn second degree of unsp single finger except thumb, sqla

This code signifies a second-degree burn affecting a single finger (excluding the thumb) where the specific finger is not documented, and the burn is no longer an acute injury but rather a late effect or complication. A second-degree burn involves the epidermis and dermis, characterized by blistering, pain, and redness. The "sequela" designation indicates that this code is used for complications or conditions arising directly from a previous burn injury, not the initial acute burn itself.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a long-term complication or residual effect directly attributable to a second-degree burn of an unspecified single finger (not the thumb). This could include scar contractures, chronic pain, or other persistent issues after the initial burn has healed. It is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these late effects.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states the burn is a sequela, not an acute injury.
• Verify that the burn is second-degree and involves a single finger other than the thumb, with no further specificity of the finger.
• Always code the acute burn first when it is still active; this sequela code is for complications after the acute phase.