ICD-10 Code for Asphyxia

The default ICD-10-CM 2027 code for asphyxia, asphyxiation (by) is R09.01 – Asphyxia. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (46 codes, 5 billable).

Main code: R09.01 – Asphyxia
Billable: Yes

Index entries for Asphyxia

antenatal – P84
birth – P84
bunny bag – see Asphyxia, due to, mechanical threat to breathing, trapped in bed clothes
crushing – S28.0 (header)
drowning – T75.1 (header)
gas, fumes, or vapor – see Table of Drugs and Chemicals
inhalation – see Inhalation
intrauterine – P84
local – I73.00
- with gangrene – I73.01
mucus – see also Foreign body, respiratory tract, causing, asphyxiation
newborn – P84
pathological – R09.01
postnatal – P84
- mechanical – see Asphyxia, due to, mechanical threat to breathing
prenatal – P84
reticularis – R23.1
strangulation – see Asphyxia, due to, mechanical threat to breathing
submersion – T75.1 (header)
traumatic – T71.9 (header)
- due to
  - crushed chest – S28.0 (header)
  - foreign body (in) – see Foreign body, respiratory tract, causing asphyxia
  - low oxygen content of ambient air – T71.20 (header)
    - due to
      - being trapped in
        low oxygen environment – T71.29 (header)
        in car trunk – T71.221 (header)
        circumstances undetermined – T71.224 (header)
        done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.223 (header)
        self – T71.222 (header)
        in refrigerator – T71.231 (header)
        circumstances undetermined – T71.234 (header)
        done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.233 (header)
        self – T71.232 (header)
      - cave-in – T71.21 (header)
  - mechanical threat to breathing (accidental) – T71.191 (header)
    - circumstances undetermined – T71.194 (header)
    - done with intent to harm by
      - another person – T71.193 (header)
      - self – T71.192 (header)
    - hanging – T71.161 (header)
      - circumstances undetermined – T71.164 (header)
      - done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.163 (header)
        self – T71.162 (header)
    - plastic bag – T71.121 (header)
      - circumstances undetermined – T71.124 (header)
      - done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.123 (header)
        self – T71.122 (header)
    - smothering
      - in furniture – T71.151 (header)
        circumstances undetermined – T71.154 (header)
        done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.153 (header)
        self – T71.152 (header)
      - under
        another person's body – T71.141 (header)
        circumstances undetermined – T71.144 (header)
        done with intent to harm – T71.143 (header)
        pillow – T71.111 (header)
        circumstances undetermined – T71.114 (header)
        done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.113 (header)
        self – T71.112 (header)
    - trapped in bed clothes – T71.131 (header)
      - circumstances undetermined – T71.134 (header)
      - done with intent to harm by
        another person – T71.133 (header)
        self – T71.132 (header)
vomiting, vomitus – see Foreign body, respiratory tract, causing asphyxia

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.