2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code X77.9

Intentional self-harm by unspecified hot objects

ICD-10-CM Code:
X77.9
ICD-10 Code for:
Intentional self-harm by unspecified hot objects
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • External causes of morbidity and mortality
    (V01–Y99)
    • Intentional self-harm
      (X71-X83)
      • Intentional self-harm by steam, hot vapors and hot objects
        (X77)

X77.9 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of intentional self-harm by unspecified hot objects. 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.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like X77.9 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Specific Coding Applicable to Intentional self-harm by unspecified hot objects

Non-specific codes like X77.9 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 intentional self-harm by unspecified hot objects:

  • Use X77.9XXA for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use X77.9XXD for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use X77.9XXS for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Index of External Cause of Injuries

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

    • Burn, burned, burning(accidental) (by) (from) (on)
      • suicide (attempt) NEC
        • hot
          • object
    • Scald, scalding(accidental) (by) (from) (in)
      • self-inflicted
    • Scald, scalding(accidental) (by) (from) (in)
      • suicide (attempt)
    • Suicide, suicidal(attempted) (by)
      • burning, burns
        • hot object

Patient Education


Burns

A burn is damage to your body's tissues caused by heat, chemicals, electricity, sunlight, or radiation. Scalds from hot liquids and steam, building fires and flammable liquids and gases are the most common causes of burns. Another kind is an inhalation injury, caused by breathing smoke.

There are three types of burns:

  • First-degree burns damage only the outer layer of skin
  • Second-degree burns damage the outer layer and the layer underneath
  • Third-degree burns damage or destroy the deepest layer of skin and tissues underneath

Burns can cause swelling, blistering, scarring and, in serious cases, shock, and even death. They also can lead to infections because they damage your skin's protective barrier. Treatment for burns depends on the cause of the burn, how deep it is, and how much of the body it covers. Antibiotic creams can prevent or treat infections. For more serious burns, treatment may be needed to clean the wound, replace the skin, and make sure the patient has enough fluids and nutrition.

NIH: National Institute of General Medical Sciences


[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.