2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T71Asphyxiation
T71 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for asphyxiation, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as T71.111A, T71.111D, T71.111S, and T71.112A.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for AsphyxiationOverview
Non-specific codes like T71 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
T71.1 for Asphyxiation due to mechanical threat to breathing
T71.11 for Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow
T71.12 for Asphyxiation due to plastic bag
T71.13 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in bed linens
T71.14 for Asphyxiation due to smothering under another person's body (in bed)
T71.15 for Asphyxiation due to smothering in furniture
T71.16 for Asphyxiation due to hanging
T71.19 for Asphyxiation due to mechanical threat to breathing due to other causes
T71.2 for Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air
T71.20 for Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air due to unspecified cause
T71.21 for Asphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth
T71.22 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a car trunk
T71.23 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator
T71.29 for Asphyxiation due to being trapped in other low oxygen environment
T71.9 for Asphyxiation due to unspecified cause
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Asphyxiation (T71). 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 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Inclusion Terms
- Mechanical suffocation
- Traumatic suffocation
Type 1 Excludes
- 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
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T71
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
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.
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.
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.
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
