When both internal and external burns are present, what governs the selection of the principal diagnosis?

The principal diagnosis is determined based primarily on the circumstances of admission when both internal and external burns are present. This means that the specific reason the patient required medical attention will influence which diagnosis is recorded as the principal. For example, if a patient is admitted due to the urgent treatments required for severe internal injuries, these would take precedence over external injuries in establishing the principal diagnosis.

In cases where multiple injuries are present, the physician's documentation and the patient's presenting condition upon admission are vital for accurate coding. The focus is on the most significant reason for the admission, which guides healthcare providers in the clinical setting and ensures appropriate categorization for billing and treatment purposes. This highlights the importance of clinical decision-making in coding practices.

Other factors such as the patient's age, health history, severity of injuries, and the specific locations of burns come into play; however, they serve more as supporting details in the assessment and treatment strategy rather than directly determining the principal diagnosis when both types of injuries are involved.