Burn of third degree of right palm, initial encounter

This code signifies a full-thickness burn affecting the right palm, indicating damage to all layers of the skin, including the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The burn typically presents with a leathery, dry appearance, often with no pain due to nerve destruction.

Assign this code when documenting a patient's initial presentation for treatment of a third-degree burn specifically located on the right palm. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or the first outpatient encounter for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "right palm" and "third degree" to support code assignment.
• Verify the encounter is the initial treatment for this burn; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Always code the percentage of total body surface area (TBSA) burned using appropriate T31 codes in conjunction with this code.