Corrosion of mouth and pharynx, initial encounter

📋Clinical Description

This diagnosis code signifies chemical burns affecting the oral cavity and/or the pharynx. This injury results from exposure to corrosive substances, leading to tissue damage in these areas. The severity can range from superficial irritation to deep tissue necrosis.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for the initial encounter of a patient presenting with chemical burns to the mouth or throat. This includes cases of accidental ingestion of household cleaners, industrial chemicals, or other caustic agents. It should be used when the patient is first seen for treatment of this specific injury.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies the mouth and/or pharynx as the affected anatomical sites.
Always assign an external cause code (e.g., from T51-T65) to identify the corrosive substance and the circumstances of the exposure.
Do not use this code for thermal burns; refer to codes in the T20-T32 range for those injuries.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Crosswalks

947.0ApproxICD-9 947.0ApproxICD-9

Same Category

T28Burn and corrosion of other internal organs T28.0Burn of mouth and pharynx T28.0XXABurn of mouth and pharynx, initial encounter T28.0XXDBurn of mouth and pharynx, subsequent encounter