2025 ICD-10-CM code T34.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Injury - Frostbite with tissue necrosis of head Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes Feed
Frostbite with tissue necrosis of the head.
Modifiers may be necessary to indicate laterality and the type of service.Consult the official coding guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established based on the presence of frostbite with tissue necrosis of the head, requiring medical intervention. The extent of tissue damage will determine the level of care and need for treatment.This would typically include pain management, debridement of necrotic tissue, and possibly reconstructive surgery.
Diagnosis and treatment of frostbite, including assessment of tissue damage, pain management, and potential surgical intervention.
In simple words: This code is for frostbite on the head that has caused tissue damage so severe that the tissue has died.
This code signifies frostbite resulting in tissue necrosis (death of tissue) affecting the head region.It encompasses various locations within the head, including but not limited to the ears, nose, cheeks, and scalp.The severity necessitates the diagnosis of tissue necrosis, indicating significant damage beyond superficial frostbite.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room after prolonged exposure to extreme cold, exhibiting signs of frostbite with tissue necrosis on their ear.The physician diagnoses T34.011A (initial encounter, right ear)., A patient is admitted to the hospital with severe frostbite affecting their nose and cheeks, exhibiting signs of tissue necrosis. The admitting physician documents the condition as T34.02XA (initial encounter). , A patient returns for a follow-up visit after an initial diagnosis of frostbite with tissue necrosis on their scalp. The condition is documented as T34.09XD (subsequent encounter).
Detailed clinical examination documenting the presence of frostbite with tissue necrosis in the head region.Photographs or imaging studies (e.g., infrared thermography) may be beneficial.A clear description of the affected area, severity, and any associated symptoms is required for accurate coding.
** Excludes 1: Birth trauma (P10-P15), obstetric trauma (O70-O71). Excludes 2: Hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69).
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital