Start New EnglishEspañol中文РусскийالعربيةTiếng ViệtFrançaisDeutsch한국어Tagalog Library Performance
BETA v.3.0

2025 ICD-10-CM code T33.0

Superficial frostbite of the head.

Always use the most specific code possible based on the location and severity of the frostbite. Chapter 20 codes are required for external cause of injury.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the encounter and the services provided.

Medical necessity is established based on the presence of frostbite requiring medical evaluation and treatment.Documentation must support the diagnosis and severity.

Diagnosis and treatment of frostbite, including assessment of the extent of injury, pain management, and monitoring for complications.

IMPORTANT:Consider additional codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) to specify the cause of the frostbite.If a foreign body is retained, use code from Z18.- category.Codes T33.0-T34.9 may require additional 7th character codes (A, D, or S) to specify the encounter (initial, subsequent, or sequela).

In simple words: This code is for mild frostbite on the head, where only the top layer of skin is affected.It's like a sunburn from the cold, causing redness and maybe some swelling or blisters.

This code signifies superficial frostbite affecting the head region.Superficial frostbite involves damage to the skin's outer layers, characterized by redness, swelling, and potential blistering.It does not involve deep tissue damage or necrosis.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency department with complaints of numbness and tingling in the head after prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures. Physical examination reveals erythema and edema on the scalp and ears, consistent with superficial frostbite.Code T33.0 is assigned., A hiker is rescued from a snowstorm with mild frostnip on their ears and forehead. The frostbite is superficial and resolves without complications.Code T33.0 is appropriate., A patient is brought to the clinic after being found unconscious in a snowdrift. They have superficial frostbite of the forehead and ears along with hypothermia. Code T33.0 is used along with the appropriate code for hypothermia (T68 or T69.-).

Detailed history of exposure to cold temperatures, including duration and environmental conditions. Physical examination documenting the location, extent (superficial vs. deep), and severity of frostbite.Photographs might be helpful.

** The 7th character codes (A, D, S) are crucial to specify the encounter status.Always consider the potential for secondary injuries, complications, and the need for additional coding to reflect the full clinical picture.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.

Discover what matters.

iFrame™ AI's knowledge is aligned with and limited to the materials uploaded by users and should not be interpreted as medical, legal, or any other form of advice by iFrame™.