T17.990A — Other foreign object in respiratory tract, part unspecified in causing asphyxiation, initial encounter
Is T17.990A billable?
Yes, but T17.990A is an unspecified code. T17.990A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T17.990A is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting T17.990A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- T17.0XXAForeign body in nasal sinus, initial encounter
- T17.1XXAForeign body in nostril, initial encounter
- T17.200AUnspecified foreign body in pharynx causing asphyxiation, initial encounter
- T17.300AUnspecified foreign body in larynx causing asphyxiation, initial encounter
- T17.400AUnspecified foreign body in trachea causing asphyxiation, initial encounter
- T17.500AUnspecified foreign body in bronchus causing asphyxiation, initial encounter
- T17.800AUnspecified foreign body in other parts of respiratory tract causing asphyxiation, initial encounter
T17.990A at a glance
| Code | T17.990A |
|---|---|
| Description | Other foreign object in respiratory tract, part unspecified in causing asphyxiation, 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 T17.990A?
In T17.990A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T17.990A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T17.990A group to?
T17.990A sits in MDC 04 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.
- 205Other Respiratory System Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 206Other Respiratory System Diagnoses without MCCmedical
How is T17.990A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T17.990, the nearest indexed parent of T17.990A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Foreign body › respiratory tract › causing › asphyxiation › specified type NEC
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T17.990A to fully describe the condition. T17.990A is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from T15-T19
Report an additional code alongside T17.990A to fully describe the condition. T17.990A is sequenced first.
- code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T17.990A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T17.990A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T15-T19
The conditions below are not part of T17.990A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T17.990A and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has T17.990A existed?
T17.990A 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.