T71.232A — Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
Is T71.232A billable?
Yes — T71.232A is billable for FY2027. T71.232A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. T71.232A may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
T71.232A at a glance
| Code | T71.232A |
|---|---|
| Description | Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator, intentional self-harm, 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 T71.232A?
In T71.232A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T71.232A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T71.232A group to?
T71.232A sits in MDC 21 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.
- 922Other Injury, Poisoning and Toxic Effect Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 923Other Injury, Poisoning and Toxic Effect Diagnoses without MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, T71.232A is a complication or comorbidity (CC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is T71.232A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T71.232, the nearest indexed parent of T71.232A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Asphyxia, asphyxiation › traumatic › due to › low oxygen content of ambient air › due to › being trapped in › low oxygen environment › in refrigerator › done with intent to harm by › self (by)
How is T71.232A listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under T71, the nearest indexed parent of T71.232A. 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 T71.232A 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 T71.232A to fully describe the condition. T71.232A 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 T71.232A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T71.232A 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 T71.232A 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 T71.232A existed?
T71.232A 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.