T71.9XXS — Asphyxiation due to unspecified cause, sequela
Is T71.9XXS billable?
Yes, but T71.9XXS is an unspecified code. T71.9XXS is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T71.9XXS 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 T71.9XXS — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
T71.9XXS at a glance
| Code | T71.9XXS |
|---|---|
| Description | Asphyxiation due to unspecified cause, sequela |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "S" | sequela |
What does the 7th character "S" mean in T71.9XXS?
In T71.9XXS, the 7th character S means sequela. The 7th character is required for T71.9XXS to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T71.9XXS group to?
T71.9XXS 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
How is T71.9XXS listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T71.9, the nearest indexed parent of T71.9XXS. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Asphyxia, asphyxiation › traumatic (by)
How is T71.9XXS listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under T71, the nearest indexed parent of T71.9XXS. 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)
Inclusion terms
Alternative wording in documentation that is classified to T71.9XXS.
- Suffocation (by strangulation) due to unspecified cause
- Suffocation NOS
- Systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air due to unspecified cause
- Systemic oxygen deficiency due to mechanical threat to breathing due to unspecified cause
- Traumatic asphyxia NOS
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from T71
The conditions below can never be reported together with T71.9XXS 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 T71.9XXS to fully describe the condition. T71.9XXS 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 T71.9XXS, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T71.9XXS 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 T71.9XXS 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 T71.9XXS existed?
T71.9XXS 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.