T79.0XXA — Air embolism (traumatic), initial encounter
Is T79.0XXA billable?
Yes — T79.0XXA is billable for FY2027. T79.0XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. T79.0XXA may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
T79.0XXA at a glance
| Code | T79.0XXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Air embolism (traumatic), 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 T79.0XXA?
In T79.0XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T79.0XXA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T79.0XXA group to?
T79.0XXA 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.
- 175Pulmonary Embolism with MCC or Acute Cor Pulmonalemedical
- 176Pulmonary Embolism without MCCmedical
As a secondary diagnosis, T79.0XXA is a major complication or comorbidity (MCC), which can move a stay into a higher-paying DRG.
How is T79.0XXA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T79.0, the nearest indexed parent of T79.0XXA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Air › embolism
- Embolism › air (multiple) (paradoxical)
- Air › embolism › traumatic
Excludes1 — never code together
The conditions below can never be reported together with T79.0XXA on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from T79.0
The conditions below can never be reported together with T79.0XXA 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 T79.0XXA to fully describe the condition. T79.0XXA 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 T79.0XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T79.0XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T79
The conditions below are not part of T79.0XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T79.0XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has T79.0XXA existed?
T79.0XXA 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.