T71.231S – Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator, accidental, sequela

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Other and unspecified effects of external causes

Billable code

ICD-10-CM code T71.231S

Code: T71.231S (claims format: T71231S)
Description: Asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator, accidental, sequela
Short description: Asphyx due to being trap in a (discarded) refrig, acc, sqla
Billable: Yes – valid for HIPAA-covered transactions
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 19. Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
Block: T66-T78 Other and unspecified effects of external causes
Parent codes: T71 › T71.2 › T71.23 › T71.231

7th character values

Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care.

Character	Meaning
`A`	initial encounter
`D`	subsequent encounter
`S`	sequela

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

T71 – Asphyxiation

Applicable to:

Mechanical suffocation
Traumatic suffocation

Excludes1 (not coded here):

acute respiratory distress (syndrome) (J80)
anoxia due to high altitude (T70.2)
asphyxia NOS (R09.01)
asphyxia from carbon monoxide (T58.-)
asphyxia from inhalation of food or foreign body (T17.-)
asphyxia from other gases, fumes and vapors (T59.-)
respiratory distress (syndrome) in newborn (P22.-)

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T71

T71.2 – Asphyxiation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air

Applicable to:

Suffocation due to systemic oxygen deficiency due to low oxygen content in ambient air

Block T66-T78

Code also:

, if applicable, place of occurrence, such as:
highway rest stop (Y92.523)
school (private) (public) (state) as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.21-)
service areas as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.52-)
single-family non-institutional (private) house as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.01-)
transport vehicle as the place of occurrence of the external cause (Y92.81-)

Related codes in T71.231

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code T71.231S?

T71.231S is the ICD-10-CM code for asphyxiation due to being trapped in a (discarded) refrigerator, accidental, sequela, in the block T66-T78 (Other and unspecified effects of external causes).

Is T71.231S a billable code?

Yes. T71.231S is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

What category does T71.231S belong to?

It belongs to category T71 – Asphyxiation.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.