2021 ICD-10-CM Code T33.0
Superficial frostbite of head
Not Valid for Submission
T33.0 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of superficial frostbite of head. The code is NOT valid for the year 2021 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.
| ICD-10: | T33.0 |
| Short Description: | Superficial frostbite of head |
| Long Description: | Superficial frostbite of head |
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Superficial frostbite of head
Header codes like T33.0 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for superficial frostbite of head:
- T33.01 - Superficial frostbite of ear
- T33.011 - Superficial frostbite of right ear
- T33.011A - Superficial frostbite of right ear, initial encounter
- T33.011D - Superficial frostbite of right ear, subsequent encounter
- T33.011S - Superficial frostbite of right ear, sequela
- T33.012 - Superficial frostbite of left ear
- T33.012A - Superficial frostbite of left ear, initial encounter
- T33.012D - Superficial frostbite of left ear, subsequent encounter
- T33.012S - Superficial frostbite of left ear, sequela
- T33.019 - Superficial frostbite of unspecified ear
- T33.019A - Superficial frostbite of unspecified ear, initial encounter
- T33.019D - Superficial frostbite of unspecified ear, subsequent encounter
- T33.019S - Superficial frostbite of unspecified ear, sequela
- T33.02 - Superficial frostbite of nose
- T33.02XA - Superficial frostbite of nose, initial encounter
- T33.02XD - Superficial frostbite of nose, subsequent encounter
- T33.02XS - Superficial frostbite of nose, sequela
- T33.09 - Superficial frostbite of other part of head
- T33.09XA - Superficial frostbite of other part of head, initial encounter
- T33.09XD - Superficial frostbite of other part of head, subsequent encounter
- T33.09XS - Superficial frostbite of other part of head, sequela
Information for Patients
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
- Frostbite (Medical Encyclopedia)
- How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia (Medical Encyclopedia)
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]
Code History
- 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 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)