Y21.9XXA — Unspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, initial encounter
Is Y21.9XXA billable?
Yes, but Y21.9XXA is an unspecified code. Y21.9XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, Y21.9XXA 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 Y21.9XXA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- Y21.0XXADrowning and submersion while in bathtub, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.1XXADrowning and submersion after fall into bathtub, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.2XXADrowning and submersion while in swimming pool, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.3XXADrowning and submersion after fall into swimming pool, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.4XXADrowning and submersion in natural water, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.8XXAOther drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, initial encounter
Y21.9XXA at a glance
| Code | Y21.9XXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, 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 Y21.9XXA?
In Y21.9XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for Y21.9XXA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
How is Y21.9XXA listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under Y21.9, the nearest indexed parent of Y21.9XXA. This is a separate index from the Alphabetic Index and is where external cause codes are looked up.
- Drowning › stated as undetermined whether accidental or intentional (accidental)
- Undetermined intent › drowning (contact) (exposure)
How long has Y21.9XXA existed?
Y21.9XXA 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.