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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for scalp burn

T20.05

Burn of unspecified degree of scalp [any part]

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Burn (electricity) (flame) (hot gas, liquid or hot object) (radiation) (steam) (thermal) › scalp”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding scalp burn

The ICD-10-CM code for scalp burn is T20.05 (Burn of unspecified degree of scalp [any part]). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on T20.05.

Within T20.0 (burn of unspecified degree of head, face, and neck), T20.05 is specifically for burn of unspecified degree of scalp [any part]. Related codes cover unspecified site (T20.00), ear [any part, except ear drum] (T20.01), lip(s) (T20.02), chin (T20.03), nose (septum) (T20.04), forehead and cheek (T20.06), neck (T20.07) and multiple sites of head, face, and neck (T20.09).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

More specific scalp burn codes (official index)

  • first degree T20.15 — Burn of first degree of scalp [any part]
  • second degree T20.25 — Burn of second degree of scalp [any part]
  • third degree T20.35 — Burn of third degree of scalp [any part]

Common questions about scalp burn ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for scalp burn?

T20.05 — Burn of unspecified degree of scalp [any part] (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: T20.15, T20.25, T20.35.

What is the ICD-10 code for first degree scalp burn?

T20.15 — Burn of first degree of scalp [any part] (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

What is the ICD-10 code for second degree scalp burn?

T20.25 — Burn of second degree of scalp [any part] (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

What is the ICD-10 code for third degree scalp burn?

T20.35 — Burn of third degree of scalp [any part] (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

Is T20.05 billable?

No. T20.05 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.