Coding Burns

robert.hodges2robert.hodges2
in CDI Talk Archive
A coder came to me with a question (which is scary enough since I'm not a coder) about how to code healing burns. The scenario presented is that the provider documented healing 3rd degree burns with some scabbing left over. The coder (not the one who asked the question) coded them as 3rd degree burns.

My question is, for all you experts out there who are a lot smarter than I am, is there a different way that healing burns are coded or are they simply coded as burns of what ever degree is documented by the provider?

Thanks all in advance and Happy Mother's Day to the Moms out there and Happy Nurses Week to all the nurses!!

Robert

Robert S. Hodges, BSN, MSN, RN
Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist
Aleda E. Lutz VAMC
Saginaw MI 48602

Robert.Hodges2@va.gov

Comments

  • stacy.vaughnstacy.vaughn
    edited May 2016

    Official Coding Guidelines.

    Coding of Burns

    Current burns (940-948) are classified by depth, extent and by agent (E
    code). Burns are classified by depth as first degree (erythema), second
    degree (blistering), and third degree (full-thickness involvement).

    Non-healing burns are coded as acute burns. Necrosis of burned skin
    should be coded as a non-healed burn.

    Burn patients may be admitted many times over the course of months (or
    years) for the continued treatment of burns that are slow to heal as well
    as treatment for scar revision and plastic and reconstructive surgery. The
    rules on selection of principal diagnosis apply to the coding of burns and
    late effects of burns.

    The series of burn codes, 940-949, are for use for current, unhealed
    burns. The series of late effects of burns, 906.5--906.9, are for use in
    cases of healed burn sites which have sequelae of the burn such as
    scarring. The sequela is sequenced first, followed by the late effect
    code.

    Because burns heal at different rates a patient may have both healed and
    nonhealed burns during a single admission. Therefore, it is possible to
    use both current burn codes as well as late effect of burn codes on the
    same record. The sequencing of the codes depends on the circumstances of
    the admission. There are no time limits on the use of burn codes or late
    effects of burn codes.

    Here is the informatin I have regarding burns. If the burn was still
    under active treatment, it is still a "current" burn.

    Stacy Vaughn, RHIT, CCS
    Data Support Specialist/DRG Assurance
    Aurora Baycare Medical Center
    2845 Greenbrier Rd
    Green Bay, WI 54311
    Phone: (920) 288-8655
    Fax: (920) 288-3052




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