Q&A ICD-9(Burn Codes)

[B.M.W]

Hi,
I am currently taking online blizt 2013. Burn section, I understand the TBSA and the 948 code.But also, it was mention that if it's the same anotomical site, we have to go by which part is worst.for example, under trunk, breast 3rd and shoulder 2nd degree, I have to go to 3rd one and code just like this 942.39. Now, what will happen with the same problem, but only 2nd degree for both anatomical site? do I go to higher percent? What if there's no percent that weren't mention at both side, how do I guess which one is the higher percent?What if both anatomical site were both burn with same percent?


Thank you so much

 

[Ruth Sheets]

Alicia answered this in the August 2013 Q&A Webinar.




Here are some highlights:
According to the ICD-9 CM official guidelines for coding and reporting, burns are classified by depth, extent and by agent (E code). So before you assign a diagnosis code, here are a few things to remember.

• Location/anatomic site of the burn
• Extent/severity of the burn
• Percentage of the body surface burnt
• Cause of the burn

If I have a patient with more than one burn site with multiple degrees how do I code that? If a patient has multiple burn sites you code first the highest degree of the burn.



Now, what will happen with 2nd degree for both anatomical site? Do I go to higher percent? With two burn sites at the same degree code first the largest body area.

Don't forget to join the CCO Club if you want to hear the full discussion and receive access to the answer sheets.

 

[B.M.W]

Thank you