2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T33Superficial frostbite

ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›T33-T34›T33

ICD-10-CM T33
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

T33 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for superficial frostbite, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as T33.011A, T33.011D, T33.011S, and T33.012A.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
T33
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Superficial frostbite
Short Description
Superficial frostbite
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
T33-T34
Frostbite

Code Classification

ChapterS00–T88Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
SectionT33-T34Frostbite
CategoryT33Superficial frostbite
This CodeT33Superficial frostbite

Specific Coding for Superficial frostbiteOverview

Non-specific codes like T33 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • T33.0 for Superficial frostbite of head

  • T33.01 for Superficial frostbite of ear

  • T33.02 for Superficial frostbite of nose

  • T33.09 for Superficial frostbite of other part of head

  • T33.1 for Superficial frostbite of neck

  • T33.2 for Superficial frostbite of thorax

  • T33.3 for Superficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back and pelvis

  • T33.4 for Superficial frostbite of arm

  • T33.40 for Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm

  • T33.41 for Superficial frostbite of right arm

  • T33.42 for Superficial frostbite of left arm

  • T33.5 for Superficial frostbite of wrist, hand, and fingers

  • T33.51 for Superficial frostbite of wrist

  • T33.52 for Superficial frostbite of hand

  • T33.53 for Superficial frostbite of finger(s)

  • T33.6 for Superficial frostbite of hip and thigh

  • T33.60 for Superficial frostbite of unspecified hip and thigh

  • T33.61 for Superficial frostbite of right hip and thigh

  • T33.62 for Superficial frostbite of left hip and thigh

  • T33.7 for Superficial frostbite of knee and lower leg

  • T33.70 for Superficial frostbite of unspecified knee and lower leg

  • T33.71 for Superficial frostbite of right knee and lower leg

  • T33.72 for Superficial frostbite of left knee and lower leg

  • T33.8 for Superficial frostbite of ankle, foot, and toe(s)

  • T33.81 for Superficial frostbite of ankle

  • T33.82 for Superficial frostbite of foot

  • T33.83 for Superficial frostbite of toe(s)

  • T33.9 for Superficial frostbite of other and unspecified sites

  • T33.90 for Superficial frostbite of unspecified sites

  • T33.99 for Superficial frostbite of other sites

Coding GuidelinesGuidance

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Superficial frostbite (T33). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:

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

Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to T33: its own notes plus those printed at block T33-T34 and Chapter 19. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • frostbite with partial thickness skin loss

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block T33-T34 Frostbite applies to 222 codes
  • hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69.-)
From Chapter 19 (S00-T88) Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes applies to 41,187 codes

Use Additional Code

Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.

From Chapter 19 (S00-T88) Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes applies to 41,187 codes
  • code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 19 (S00-T88) Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes applies to 41,187 codes
  • Use secondary code(s) from Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity, to indicate cause of injury. Codes within the T section that include the external cause do not require an additional external cause code
  • The chapter uses the S-section for coding different types of injuries related to single body regions and the T-section to cover injuries to unspecified body regions as well as poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes.

7th Character

Every code in the category takes a 7th character from the listed values, with the placeholder X filling any empty positions before it.

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T33
Values for category T33 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Patient EducationClinical

Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About T33Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for superficial frostbite?

T33 is the ICD-10-CM category for superficial frostbite, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is T33 (Superficial frostbite) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for superficial frostbite, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for superficial frostbite need a more specific code from this category, such as T33.011A, T33.011D, and T33.011S.