Burn of third degree of left thumb (nail), sequela

This code signifies a full-thickness burn injury to the left thumb, specifically affecting the nail or surrounding tissue, where the acute phase of the injury has passed and the patient is now experiencing long-term complications or effects. These sequelae can include scarring, contractures, nerve damage, or chronic pain resulting from the initial severe burn.

Apply this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient who previously sustained a third-degree burn to their left thumb and is now being treated for residual conditions directly attributable to that burn. This would include scenarios such as surgical correction of burn contractures, management of chronic pain, or treatment of non-healing ulcers in the burn area, occurring long after the initial injury.

• Always ensure the documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous third-degree burn of the left thumb.
• This code is for sequelae; do not use it for initial treatment or active healing of the acute burn.
• Consider additional codes for specific sequelae (e.g., scar, contracture, chronic pain) to provide a complete clinical picture.