Corrosion of first degree of left wrist, initial encounter

This code signifies a superficial chemical burn affecting the left wrist, characterized by redness and pain without blistering or skin loss. It indicates damage limited to the outermost layer of the skin, the epidermis, caused by contact with a corrosive substance.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's initial presentation for a first-degree chemical burn to their left wrist. This is appropriate for acute injuries where the patient is receiving active treatment for the corrosion.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "first degree" and "left wrist" to support this specific code.
• Verify the encounter is the "initial encounter" for this particular injury. Subsequent care would use a different seventh character.
• Always code the external cause of the corrosion (e.g., chemical, acid) using an appropriate X-code.