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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code T71
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T71

Asphyxiation

ICD-10-CM Code:
T71
ICD-10 Code for:
Asphyxiation
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Other and unspecified effects of external causes
      (T66-T78)
      • Asphyxiation
        (T71)

T71 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of asphyxiation. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Asphyxiation

Non-specific codes like T71 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for asphyxiation:

  • T71.1 for Asphyxiation due to mechanical threat to breathing - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.11 for Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.12 for Asphyxiation due to plastic bag - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.13 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in bed linens - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.14 for Asphyxiation due to smothering under another person's body (in bed) - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.15 for Asphyxiation due to smothering in furniture - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.16 for Asphyxiation due to hanging - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.19 for Asphyxiation due to mechanical threat to breathing due to other causes - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.2 for Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.20 for Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air due to unspecified cause - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.21 for Asphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.22 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a car trunk - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.23 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.29 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in other low oxygen environment - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T71.9 for Asphyxiation due to unspecified cause - NON-BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Asphyxiation (T71). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Inclusion Terms

Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
  • Mechanical suffocation
  • Traumatic suffocation

Type 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
  • acute respiratory distress syndrome J80
  • anoxia due to high altitude T70.2
  • asphyxia NOS R09.01
  • asphyxia from carbon monoxide T58
  • asphyxia from inhalation of food or foreign body T17
  • asphyxia from other gases, fumes and vapors T59
  • respiratory distress syndrome in newborn P22

7th Character Note

7th Character Note
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T71

7th Character

7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Index of External Cause of Injuries

References found for this diagnosis code in the External Cause of Injuries Index:

    • Hanging(accidental)
    • Suffocation(accidental) (by external means) (by pressure) (mechanical)

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.