T31.22

Billable

Burns involving 20-29% of body surface with 20-29% third degree burns

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 385 — Severe Skin Burn or Condition

0.350

V24HCC 162 — Severe Skin Burn or Condition

0.517

ESRDHCC 162 — Severe Skin Burn or Condition

0.000

What This Code Means

A burn injury affecting 20-29% of the body surface area with 20-29% of the burn being deep (third degree).

Coding Tips

•The second digit (2) indicates 20-29% third degree burns; this is a severe burn requiring intensive care and likely transfer to a burn center
•Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between total body surface area burned and the percentage of deep burns

Clinical Significance

Burns involving 20-29% of body surface area where the entire burned area (20-29%) is third-degree represents severe burn injury with complete skin destruction requiring immediate specialized burn center management. This injury pattern has high morbidity and mortality risk, requiring extensive surgical intervention including escharotomy, debridement, and multiple skin grafting procedures.

Documentation Requirements

✓Clear documentation that 20-29% of total body surface area is burned
✓Specific documentation that 20-29% of body surface has third-degree burns
✓Evidence that all burned areas are full-thickness (third-degree)
✓Burn assessment using validated tools showing depth and extent
✓Documentation of eschar formation or other third-degree characteristics
✓Assessment by burn specialist or qualified provider
✓Evidence of need for surgical intervention
✓Documentation of systemic complications or risk factors

Commonly Confused Codes

T31.21 — Burns 20-29% TBSA with 10-19% third degree (less third-degree involvement)T31.32 — Burns 30-39% TBSA with 20-29% third degree (larger total area)T31.20 — Burns 20-29% TBSA with no third degree involvement T32.22 — Corrosions 20-29% TBSA with 20-29% third degree (chemical cause)T31.33 — Burns 30-39% TBSA with 30-39% third degree (larger area)

Code Hierarchy

└T31Burns classified according to extent of body surface involved └T31.2Burns involving 20-29% of body surface └T31.22Burns involving 20-29% of body surface with 20-29% third degree burns

└T31.22Burns involving 20-29% of body surface with 20-29% third degree burns