Question 1

Is T71 a billable ICD-10 code?

Accepted Answer

No, T71 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 T71 mean?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM code T71 represents Asphyxiation. 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 T71 introduced?

Accepted Answer

Code T71 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 T71?

Accepted Answer

The parent category for T71 is section:T66-T78 (Other and unspecified effects of external causes (T66-T78)). This hierarchical classification helps organize related diagnoses for more accurate coding.

Question 5

What conditions are excluded from T71?

Accepted Answer

Code T71 has Type 1 Excludes (mutually exclusive conditions) including: acute respiratory distress (syndrome) (J80); anoxia due to high altitude (T70.2); asphyxia NOS (R09.01) and 4 more conditions. These conditions cannot be coded together with T71 as they represent different diagnoses.

Question 6

Does T71 require a 7th character extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, T71 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., T71XXA for initial encounter). The extension indicates whether this is an initial visit, follow-up, or treatment for a late effect.

T712026

Excludes17Not coded together

Excludes22Not included here

Use Additional Code1Add code for detail

Notes4Additional information

7th Character Extensions3Encounter type specifiers