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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code T33

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T33

Superficial frostbite

ICD-10-CM Code:
T33
ICD-10 Code for:
Superficial frostbite
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

T33 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of superficial frostbite. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 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 Superficial frostbite

Non-specific codes like T33 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for superficial frostbite:

  • 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

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    S00–T88

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Superficial frostbite (T33). 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.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • frostbite with partial thickness skin loss

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 T33

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

Patient Education


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.

If you have frostbite, the skin in that area may turn white or grayish-yellow. It may feel firm or waxy when you touch it. The area will also feel numb.

If you have symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. But if immediate medical care isn't available, here are steps to take:

  • Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
  • If possible, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Walking increases the damage.
  • Put the affected area in warm - not hot - water.
  • You can also warm the affected area using body heat. For example, use your armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
  • Don't rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
  • Don't use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Since frostbite makes an area numb, you could burn it.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2026 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026
  • FY 2025 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2024 through 9/30/2025
  • 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.