T22.70XA — Corrosion of third degree of shoulder and upper limb, except wrist and hand, unspecified site, initial encounter
Is T22.70XA billable?
Yes, but T22.70XA will trip a Medicare edit. T22.70XA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, CMS lists T22.70XA 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.
More specific alternatives
- T22.711ACorrosion of third degree of right forearm, initial encounter
- T22.721ACorrosion of third degree of right elbow, initial encounter
- T22.731ACorrosion of third degree of right upper arm, initial encounter
- T22.741ACorrosion of third degree of right axilla, initial encounter
- T22.751ACorrosion of third degree of right shoulder, initial encounter
- T22.761ACorrosion of third degree of right scapular region, initial encounter
- T22.791ACorrosion of third degree of multiple sites of right shoulder and upper limb, except wrist and hand, initial encounter
T22.70XA at a glance
| Code | T22.70XA |
|---|---|
| Description | Corrosion of third degree of shoulder and upper limb, except wrist and hand, unspecified site, 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 T22.70XA?
In T22.70XA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T22.70XA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
What Medicare edits apply to T22.70XA?
The Medicare Code Editor screens inpatient claims before they are grouped. These edits name T22.70XA 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 T22.70XA group to?
T22.70XA 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, T22.70XA 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 T22.70XA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T22.70, the nearest indexed parent of T22.70XA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Corrosion › upper limb › third degree (injury) (acid) (caustic) (chemical) (lime) (external) (internal)
Code first — inherited from T22.7
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before T22.70XA. T22.70XA describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
- (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T22.70XA to fully describe the condition. T22.70XA 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 T22.70XA to fully describe the condition. T22.70XA is sequenced first.
Use additional code — inherited from T22.7
Report an additional code alongside T22.70XA to fully describe the condition. T22.70XA is sequenced first.
- external cause code to identify place (Y92)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T22.70XA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T22.70XA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T22
The conditions below are not part of T22.70XA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T22.70XA and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has T22.70XA existed?
T22.70XA 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.