2026 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 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

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
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

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

7th Character Note

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category Y21

7th Character

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

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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Y21Overview

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.