Question 1

Is T81 a billable ICD-10 code?

Accepted Answer

No, T81 is not a billable code. It is a category code that requires additional specificity. You must select a more specific code from the subcategories for billing purposes.

Question 2

What does ICD-10 code T81 mean?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM code T81 represents Complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification used for medical coding and billing in the United States.

Question 3

When was ICD-10 code T81 introduced?

Accepted Answer

Code T81 has been part of ICD-10-CM since 2016, when the coding system was mandated for use in the United States. This code was included in the original US implementation.

Question 4

What is the parent category for ICD-10 code T81?

Accepted Answer

The parent category for T81 is section:T80-T88 (Complications of surgical and medical care, not elsewhere classified (T80-T88)). This hierarchical classification helps organize related diagnoses for more accurate coding.

Question 5

What conditions should be coded separately from T81?

Accepted Answer

Code T81 has Type 2 Excludes including: complications following immunization (T88.0-T88.1); complications following infusion, transfusion and therapeutic injection (T80.-); complications of transplanted organs and tissue (T86.-) and 9 more conditions. These conditions are not included in T81 but can be coded together if the patient has both conditions.

Question 6

Should I use additional codes with T81?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when coding T81, consider adding codes for: code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5). Additional codes provide more specificity about the patient's condition.

Question 7

Does T81 require a 7th character extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, T81 requires a 7th character to specify the encounter type. Available extensions include: A (initial encounter), D (subsequent encounter), S (sequela). Use "X" as a placeholder to fill empty positions before the 7th character (e.g., T81XXA for initial encounter). The extension indicates whether this is an initial visit, follow-up, or treatment for a late effect.

T812026

Excludes235Not included here

Use Additional Code5Add code for detail

Notes2Additional information

7th Character Extensions3Encounter type specifiers