Burn of third degree of left thigh, initial encounter

This code signifies a severe burn injury affecting the entire thickness of the skin and underlying tissues on the patient's left thigh. The burn has resulted in destruction of the skin layers, often appearing leathery, charred, or waxy white, and typically involves nerve damage, leading to a lack of sensation in the affected area.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's initial presentation and treatment for a full-thickness burn specifically located on the left thigh. This includes emergency department visits, initial hospital admissions, or the first encounter with a healthcare provider for this particular burn injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "third degree" and the exact location as the "left thigh."
• Verify this is the patient's initial encounter for this burn; subsequent care would use a different encounter character.
• Always code the extent of the burn (e.g., T31.-) in conjunction with the specific burn site code.