Event of undetermined intent (Y21-Y33) ICD-10-CM
The Y21–Y33 section covers event of undetermined intent with 145 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, of which 105 are billable in fiscal year 2026. The section is organized into the 13 code ranges listed below.
Inclusion Terms
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.
- Undetermined intent is only for use when there is specific documentation in the record that the intent of the injury cannot be determined. If no such documentation is present, code to accidental (unintentional)
Code Ranges in This Section 13 ranges · 145 codes
The info icon previews the code ranges inside each row and its instructional notations from the official Tabular List.
About the Y21–Y33 Code Range
The ICD-10-CM codes from Y21 to Y33 are used to classify injuries and exposures where the intent behind the event is unclear. This range covers a variety of situations such as drowning, firearm discharges, contact with explosives, fires, sharp or blunt objects, falls, motor vehicle crashes, and other specified events, all with undetermined intent.
These codes help medical coders document incidents where it is not known whether the injury or exposure was accidental, self-inflicted, or inflicted by another person. For example, the Y21 series relates to drowning or submersion events with unknown intent and includes specific locations like bathtubs and swimming pools. The Y22 through Y24 codes cover various firearm discharges including handguns, shotguns, and others, also with unknown intent, encompassing synonyms like "injury of unknown intent by firearms." Similarly, codes in the Y25 to Y29 range address contact with explosive materials, fire and smoke exposure, steam, hot objects, and sharp or blunt instruments when the intent cannot be determined. Other codes like Y30 to Y33 deal with falls from heights, collisions with moving objects, motor vehicle crashes, and hanging or suffocation where intent is unknown. Utilization of these codes ensures precise reporting of injuries with undetermined causes, supporting clear communication in medical records and billing.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the Y21-Y33 range?
The Y21-Y33 range contains 145 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes in FY 2026. 105 of them are billable, and the rest are category headers that organize the section.
What conditions does Y21-Y33 cover?
The range covers event of undetermined intent. The code ranges listed above break it into groups of related conditions, and each one links to its own page with the full code list.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
