2025 ICD-10-CM code T34.019A
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Injury - Frostbite with tissue necrosis Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88) Feed
Frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified ear, initial encounter.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the visit.Consult the official ICD-10-CM guidelines for more detail.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of frostbite with tissue necrosis, requiring medical intervention for pain management, wound care, and prevention of complications such as infection or gangrene.The severity of the injury will dictate the level of treatment required.
The clinical responsibility for this code falls on the physician or healthcare professional diagnosing and treating the frostbite injury.This includes assessment of the extent of tissue damage, administering appropriate treatment (e.g., pain management, wound care), and monitoring for complications.
- Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- T34 - Frostbite with tissue necrosis
In simple words: This code is used when someone has frostbite (damage from freezing) in an ear that has caused tissue death, and it's the first time they're seeking medical attention for it.If doctors know which ear is affected, they should use a more specific code.
This ICD-10-CM code classifies frostbite with tissue necrosis affecting an unspecified ear during the initial encounter.It's crucial to specify the affected ear (right or left) if known, using the more precise codes when available.This code is for the first time the patient is treated for this condition. Subsequent encounters require a different code (T34.019D).
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room after a night spent outdoors in freezing temperatures.They exhibit signs of frostbite in their left ear, with visible tissue necrosis.The physician diagnoses frostbite with tissue necrosis of the left ear (T34.012A) and initiates treatment., A patient is seen in a clinic following a winter hiking trip. They report numbness and discoloration in their ear, and upon examination, the doctor confirms frostbite with tissue damage in an unspecified ear. Because it is their first visit, T34.019A is used., A patient is admitted to the hospital with severe frostbite, involving necrosis in both ears and other areas.T34.019A is coded for the initial encounter for one ear, and additional codes would be used to describe the frostbite in other areas.
Complete medical history, including details of exposure to cold temperatures.Physical examination notes clearly documenting the location (if specified), extent, and severity of frostbite, including evidence of tissue necrosis.Photographs or other imaging studies (if performed) to visualize the injury and aid in assessment. Documentation of the treatment plan and its progression.
** This code is part of a broader family of codes for frostbite with tissue necrosis.The 7th character (A, D, or S) differentiates between initial encounter, subsequent encounter, and sequela.Always verify the appropriate 7th character based on the patient's encounter.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Urgent Care Facility