2025 ICD-10-CM code T34.02XA
Frostbite with tissue necrosis of nose, initial encounter.
Medical necessity is established by the clinical findings of frostbite, such as numbness, discoloration, or waxy appearance of the skin, along with a history of exposure to freezing temperatures.
Clinicians should document the extent of frostbite (superficial or with tissue necrosis) and the specific body part affected. They should also note whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela.It's crucial to record details about the circumstances leading to the frostbite, like duration of exposure and environmental conditions.Aftercare instructions, such as rewarming techniques, wound care, and pain management strategies, should be documented.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (T07-T88)
In simple words: Frostbite with tissue damage to the nose on the first visit for this condition.
Frostbite with tissue necrosis of nose, initial encounter.
Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room with a numb and waxy-looking nose after prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures. The physician diagnoses frostbite with tissue necrosis of the nose. This is the patient's first visit for this condition, so the code T34.02XA is used., A homeless individual is brought to the hospital after sleeping outdoors in extreme cold. Examination reveals frostbite on several areas, including the nose, with evidence of tissue necrosis. As this is the initial encounter for this episode of frostbite, T34.02XA is appropriate along with codes for the other affected areas., A mountain climber is rescued after being stranded in a blizzard. Upon arrival at the hospital, they are found to have severe frostbite with tissue necrosis on their nose. This being the first encounter for this injury, T34.02XA is reported.
Documentation should include the degree of frostbite, the specific body part affected, and whether it's the initial, subsequent, or sequela encounter. The circumstances surrounding the injury (e.g., duration and type of cold exposure) and any associated injuries should also be noted.
** Excludes1: birth trauma (P10-P15), obstetric trauma (O70-O71)Excludes2: hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69.-)
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Primary Care, Dermatology, Critical Care
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital