Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T17.81

Gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract

ICD-10-CM Code:
T17.81
ICD-10 Code for:
Gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice
      (T15-T19)
      • Foreign body in respiratory tract
        (T17)

T17.81 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract. 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 Gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract

Non-specific codes like T17.81 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 gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract:

  • T17.810 for Gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract causing asphyxiation - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T17.810A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T17.810D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T17.810S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

  • T17.818 for Gastric contents in other parts of respiratory tract causing other injury - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T17.818A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T17.818D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use T17.818S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Foreign body in respiratory tract (T17). 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.
  • Aspiration of gastric contents into other parts of respiratory tract
  • Vomitus in other parts of respiratory tract

Index of External Cause of Injuries

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

    • Asphyxia, asphyxiation
      • from
        • vomitus
    • Aspiration
      • vomitus (with asphyxia, obstruction respiratory tract, suffocation)
    • Choked, choking(on) (any object except food or vomitus)
      • vomitus
    • Compression
      • trachea by
        • vomitus (lodged in esophagus)
    • Inhalation
      • gastric contents (with asphyxia, obstruction respiratory passage, suffocation)
    • Inhalation
      • vomitus (with asphyxia, obstruction respiratory passage, suffocation)
    • Interruption of respiration(by)
      • vomitus (lodged in esophagus)
    • Suffocation(accidental) (by external means) (by pressure) (mechanical)
      • due to, by
        • vomitus (aspiration) (inhalation)
    • Vomitus, gastric contents in air passages(with asphyxia, obstruction or suffocation)

Patient Education


Foreign Bodies

If you've ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you've had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn't supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body. Foreign bodies are more common in small children, who sometimes stick things in their mouths, ears, and noses.

Some foreign bodies, like a small splinter, do not cause serious harm. Inhaled or swallowed foreign bodies may cause choking or bowel obstruction and may require medical care.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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.