2025 ICD-10-CM code T24
Burn and corrosion of lower limb, except ankle and foot.
Yes, the seventh character of the ICD-10-CM code can be used to indicate the encounter type (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, sequela).
Medical necessity for treatment of burns and corrosions of the lower limb is determined by the severity and extent of the injury. Factors such as depth of the burn, body surface area involved, location of the burn, and associated injuries will influence the level of care required. Superficial burns may be treated with first aid and topical ointments, while deeper and more extensive burns may require hospitalization, surgical intervention, and specialized burn care.
Assessment and initial care for a patient with burns and corrosions of the lower limb may be provided by various healthcare professionals depending on the severity and type of burn, including emergency medical technicians, emergency room physicians, general practitioners, or specialized burn care providers.Further management of severe burns often requires a multidisciplinary team including surgeons, intensivists, pain specialists, and physical therapists.
In simple words: Burn or chemical burn of the thigh, knee, or lower leg, but not the ankle or foot.
Burn and corrosion of lower limb, except ankle and foot.This includes burns of any degree (first, second, third, or unspecified) resulting from thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiation sources.It also includes corrosions (chemical burns) affecting the lower limb.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with a second-degree burn on their right thigh after spilling hot coffee on themselves. The burn is characterized by blisters and involves a significant portion of the thigh. The appropriate code is T24.21., A construction worker is involved in an accident resulting in a third-degree electrical burn to their left lower leg. The burn involves deep tissue damage and requires surgical debridement and skin grafting.The appropriate code is T24.32., A patient presents with chemical burns on their left knee after accidental exposure to a corrosive cleaning agent. The burn involves erythema and superficial skin damage. The appropriate code is T24.12.
Documentation should specify the cause of the burn (thermal, chemical, electrical, radiation), the degree of the burn (first, second, third, unspecified), the specific location of the burn on the lower limb (thigh, knee, lower leg, but not ankle or foot), and the extent of body surface area involved. Any associated injuries or complications should also be documented.Photographs of the burn can be helpful.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Burn Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Primary Care
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital, Home, Skilled Nursing Facility