T22.349A — Burn of third degree of unspecified axilla, initial encounter
Is T22.349A billable?
Yes, but T22.349A will trip a Medicare edit. T22.349A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists T22.349A under Medicare Code Editor edit 20, “Unspecified code” — meaning a code specifying laterality (right, left or bilateral) exists in the same family. On an inpatient claim this triggers the edit, because CMS holds that there are very limited circumstances in which laterality cannot be documented.
T22.349A at a glance
| Code | T22.349A |
|---|---|
| Description | Burn of third degree of unspecified axilla, initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in T22.349A?
In T22.349A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T22.349A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
What Medicare edits apply to T22.349A?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name T22.349A directly.
A code specifying laterality (right, left or bilateral) exists in the same family. CMS holds that there are very limited circumstances in which laterality cannot be documented.
Which MS-DRGs does T22.349A group to?
T22.349A sits in MDC 22 and helps define the logic of 2 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 927Extensive Burns or Full Thickness Burns with MV >96 Hours with Skin Graftsurgical
- 933Extensive Burns or Full Thickness Burns with MV >96 Hours without Skin Graftmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, T22.349A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG. It also carries Hospital-Acquired Condition category 05.
How is T22.349A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T22.349, the nearest indexed parent of T22.349A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Burn › axilla › third degree (electricity) (flame) (hot gas, liquid or hot object) (radiation) (steam) (thermal)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T22.349A to fully describe the condition. T22.349A is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from T20-T25
Report an additional code alongside T22.349A to fully describe the condition. T22.349A is sequenced first.
Use additional code — inherited from T22.3
Report an additional code alongside T22.349A to fully describe the condition. T22.349A is sequenced first.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T22.349A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T22.349A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T22
The conditions below are not part of T22.349A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T22.349A and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has T22.349A existed?
T22.349A has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.