Burn of first degree of left ankle, sequela

This code signifies the long-term effects or complications arising from a first-degree burn that previously affected the left ankle. A first-degree burn involves only the epidermis, causing redness and pain, but the "sequela" indicates a persistent issue related to that past injury rather than the acute burn itself.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition directly attributable to a healed first-degree burn on the left ankle. This could include residual scarring, chronic pain, or altered sensation in the area, long after the initial burn event. Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute burn.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past first-degree burn of the left ankle.
• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., scar, chronic pain).
• The "S" in the seventh character indicates a sequela, meaning the patient is seen for a complication or late effect of the burn.