2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T34.529

Frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified hand

ICD-10-CM Code:
T34.529
ICD-10 Code for:
Frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified hand
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Frostbite
      (T33-T34)
      • Frostbite with tissue necrosis
        (T34)

T34.529 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified hand. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like T34.529 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified hand

Non-specific codes like T34.529 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for frostbite with tissue necrosis of unspecified hand:

  • Use T34.529A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T34.529D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T34.529S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

  • Frostbite with tissue necrosis
  • Frostbite with tissue necrosis of upper limb
  • Frostbite with tissue necrosis of wrist and hand

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Frostbite with tissue necrosis (T34). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient Education


Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.

If you have frostbite, the skin in that area may turn white or grayish-yellow. It may feel firm or waxy when you touch it. The area will also feel numb.

If you have symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. But if immediate medical care isn't available, here are steps to take:

  • Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • If possible, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Walking increases the damage.
  • Put the affected area in warm - not hot - water.
  • You can also warm the affected area using body heat. For example, use your armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
  • Don't rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
  • Don't use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Since frostbite makes an area numb, you could burn it.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.