1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. V01–Y99
  4. Y21-Y33
  5. Exposure to smoke, fire and flames, undetermined intent (Y26)

Exposure to smoke, fire and flames, undetermined intent (Y26)

The ICD-10 code Y26 covers situations where a person is exposed to smoke, fire, or flames, but the intent behind the exposure is unclear or undetermined. This section is used to document injuries caused by fire or smoke when it’s not known whether they were accidental, intentional, or self-inflicted.

This category includes specific codes for different phases of care: Y26.XXXA for the initial encounter, Y26.XXXD for subsequent encounters, and Y26.XXXS for sequela or complications following the exposure. These codes help distinguish between the timing of medical treatment after an injury resulting from "injury of unknown intent by burns or fire." For medical coders, accurate use of these codes ensures proper classification of injuries where the cause behind the burns or smoke exposure cannot be confirmed, often described as injury of unknown intent by burns or fire. Searching for the ICD-10 code for exposure to smoke and fire of undetermined intent will lead directly to these codes.

Instructional Notations

7th Character Note

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.

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code Y26

7th Character

Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.

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