ICD-10 Code for Death

Also indexed as (cause unknown) (of) (unexplained) (unspecified cause)

The ICD-10-CM code for death is R99 — Ill-defined and unknown cause of mortality. This is the code the Alphabetic Index gives for death with no further qualifier, valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

Billable

Which death code should you use?

The Alphabetic Index lists 5 codes under Death. Which one applies depends on the qualifier documented in the record — the type, site, cause, or associated condition. Find the qualifier below, then verify the code in the Tabular List before using it.

By type

brain	G93.82	Brain death
family member	Z63.4	Disappearance and death of family member

Death cardiac

family history of	Z82.41	Family history of sudden cardiac death
personal history of	Z86.74	Personal history of sudden cardiac arrest

Index terms and codes are reproduced from the official ICD-10-CM FY2027 release. The Alphabetic Index is a finding aid — a code must always be verified in the Tabular List before it is reported. Data sources