T71.20XD — Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air due to unspecified cause, subsequent encounter
Is T71.20XD billable?
Yes, but T71.20XD is an unspecified code. T71.20XD is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T71.20XD 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 T71.20XD — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- T71.21XDAsphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth, subsequent encounter
- T71.221DAsphyxiation due to being trapped in a car trunk, accidental, subsequent encounter
- T71.231DAsphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator, accidental, subsequent encounter
- T71.29XDAsphyxiation due to being trapped in other low oxygen environment, subsequent encounter
T71.20XD at a glance
| Code | T71.20XD |
|---|---|
| Description | Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air due to unspecified cause, subsequent encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "D" | subsequent encounter |
What does the 7th character "D" mean in T71.20XD?
In T71.20XD, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for T71.20XD to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T71.20XD group to?
T71.20XD sits in MDC 23 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.
- 949Aftercare with CC/MCCmedical
- 950Aftercare without CC/MCCmedical
How is T71.20XD listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T71.20, the nearest indexed parent of T71.20XD. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Asphyxia, asphyxiation › traumatic › due to › low oxygen content of ambient air (by)
How is T71.20XD listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under T71, the nearest indexed parent of T71.20XD. This is a separate index from the Alphabetic Index and is where external cause codes are looked up.
- Suffocation (accidental) (by external means) (by pressure) (mechanical)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from T71
The conditions below can never be reported together with T71.20XD on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T71.20XD to fully describe the condition. T71.20XD is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T71.20XD, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T71.20XD and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from T66-T78
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether T71.20XD is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- , if applicable, place of occurrence, such as:
- highway rest stop (Y92.523)
- school (private) (public) (state) as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.21-)
- service areas as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.52-)
- single-family non-institutional (private) house as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.01-)
- transport vehicle as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.81-)
How long has T71.20XD existed?
T71.20XD 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.