T22.2
Burn of second degree of shoulder and upper limb, except wrist and hand
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Use Additional Code
- external cause code to identify the source, place and intent of the burn (X00-X19, X75-X77, X96-X98, Y92)
Medical Intelligence & Overview
A second degree burn involving the shoulder and upper limb is a type of skin injury that affects both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). This injury results from exposure to heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. Such burns are more severe than first degree burns but less severe than third degree burns, often causing pain, redness, swelling, blisters, and potential scarring. When the injury involves areas excluding the wrist and hand, it typically affects a larger surface area of the shoulder and upper arm, influencing mobility and lifestyle temporarily or permanently depending on severity and treatment.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Thermal exposure, such as contact with hot liquids, flames, or hot objects Chemical burns from contact with caustic substances Electrical burns resulting from contact with live electrical sources Radiation exposure, including UV rays from the sun
Key Symptoms: Redness and swelling of the affected skin Pain or tenderness in the burned area Blister formation, which may be filled with fluid Discoloration ranging from white to charred black in severe areas Possible scarring or pigmentation changes after healing Limited mobility if the burn is extensive or located near joints
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Visual inspection for color changes, blistering, and swelling Determination of the burn’s depth through clinical assessment Assessment of the total body surface area (TBSA) affected Additional imaging or tests if underlying injuries or complications are suspected
Treatment Protocols: Cooling the burn area immediately with running cool water to reduce heat and pain Gentle cleaning of the wound to remove debris and bacteria Application of prescribed topical antibiotics and moisturizers Proper dressing of blisters to prevent infection while avoiding popping blisters unnecessarily Pain management with over-the-counter or prescription analgesics Monitoring wound healing and signs of infection In cases of extensive burns, skin grafting or surgical intervention may be necessary Rehabilitation therapy to improve mobility and prevent contractures Psychological support if scarring impacts self-esteem
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is T22.2 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, T22.2 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report T22.2?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Burn of second degree of shoulder and upper limb, except wrist and hand and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
Cite this Clinical Reference