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

This code signifies a full-thickness burn affecting an unspecified thumb, including the nail, where the acute injury has healed and the patient is now presenting for treatment of a residual condition or complication directly resulting from that burn. This type of burn involves destruction of the epidermis and dermis, and potentially underlying tissues, leading to scarring, contractures, or other long-term effects.

Apply this code when documenting care for a patient who has previously sustained a third-degree burn to an unspecified thumb and is now being treated for a sequela, such as scar revision, management of chronic pain, or functional impairment. This indicates that the initial burn injury is no longer active but its lasting effects are the focus of the current encounter.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following a primary code that describes the specific sequela being treated (e.g., scar, contracture).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous third-degree burn of the thumb.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment of an acute burn or for follow-up care during the healing phase of the acute burn.