ICD-10 Code for Aspiration

The ICD-10-CM 2027 alphabetic index lists aspiration with the subterms below. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (12 codes, 12 billable).

Index entries for Aspiration

amniotic (clear) fluid (newborn) – P24.10
- with
  - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.11
  - respiratory symptoms – P24.11
blood
- newborn (without respiratory symptoms) – P24.20
  - with
    - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.21
    - respiratory symptoms – P24.21
- specified age NEC – see Foreign body, respiratory tract
bronchitis – J69.0
food or foreign body – see Foreign body, by site
liquor (amnii) (newborn) – P24.10
- with
  - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.11
  - respiratory symptoms – P24.11
meconium (newborn) (without respiratory symptoms) – P24.00
- with
  - pneumonitis (pneumonitis) – P24.01
  - respiratory symptoms – P24.01
milk (newborn) (without respiratory symptoms) – P24.30
- with
  - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.31
  - respiratory symptoms – P24.31
- specified age NEC – see Foreign body, respiratory tract
mucus – see also Foreign body, by site, causing asphyxia
- newborn – P24.10
  - with
    - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.11
    - respiratory symptoms – P24.11
neonatal – P24.9
- specific NEC (without respiratory symptoms) – P24.80
  - with
    - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.81
    - respiratory symptoms – P24.81
newborn – P24.9
- specific NEC (without respiratory symptoms) – P24.80
  - with
    - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.81
    - respiratory symptoms – P24.81
pneumonia – J69.0
pneumonitis – J69.0
syndrome of newborn – see Aspiration, by substance, with pneumonia
vernix caseosa (newborn) – P24.80
- with
  - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.81
  - respiratory symptoms – P24.81
vomitus – see also Foreign body, respiratory tract
- newborn (without respiratory symptoms) – P24.30
  - with
    - pneumonia (pneumonitis) – P24.31
    - respiratory symptoms – P24.31

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.