2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Y21Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›Y21-Y33›Y21

ICD-10-CM Y21
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

Y21 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Y21.0XXA, Y21.0XXD, Y21.0XXS, and Y21.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Y21
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
Short Description
Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
Y21-Y33
Event of undetermined intent

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionY21-Y33Event of undetermined intent
CategoryY21Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
This CodeY21Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent

Specific Coding for Drowning and submersion, undetermined intentOverview

Non-specific codes like Y21 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Y21.0 for Drowning and submersion while in bathtub, undetermined intent

  • Y21.1 for Drowning and submersion after fall into bathtub, undetermined intent

  • Y21.2 for Drowning and submersion while in swimming pool, undetermined intent

  • Y21.3 for Drowning and submersion after fall into swimming pool, undetermined intent

  • Y21.4 for Drowning and submersion in natural water, undetermined intent

  • Y21.8 for Other drowning and submersion, undetermined intent

  • Y21.9 for Unspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to Y21: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 20. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 20 (V00-Y99) External causes of morbidity and mortality applies to 7,461 codes
  • This chapter permits the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, and other adverse effects. Where a code from this section is applicable, it is intended that it shall be used secondary to a code from another chapter of the Classification indicating the nature of the condition. Most often, the condition will be classifiable to Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). Other conditions that may be stated to be due to external causes are classified in Chapters I to XVIII. For these conditions, codes from Chapter 20 should be used to provide additional information as to the cause of the condition.

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 Y21
Values for category Y21 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

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

Patient EducationClinical

Drowning

People drown when they get too much water in their lungs. You can drown in as little as an inch or two of water. Babies can drown in a sink or bathtub. Preschoolers are most likely to drown in a swimming pool. People who have seizure disorders are also at risk in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

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 Y21Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for drowning and submersion, undetermined intent?

Y21 is the ICD-10-CM category for drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is Y21 (Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for drowning and submersion, undetermined intent need a more specific code from this category, such as Y21.0XXA, Y21.0XXD, and Y21.0XXS.