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ICD-10/T33.40

T33.40 ICD-10-CM Code: Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm

T33.40 is the authoritative medical code for Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm. This classification is used in medical billing and clinical recording to specify the clinical criteria for superficial frostbite of unspecified arm (ICD-10-CM T33.40), ensuring healthcare documentation aligns with current federal coding standards.

Billing Status: NO. This is a clinician non-billable / parent hierarchy grouping in the ICD-10-CM system.

Code Set: Valid FY2026 and FY2027. FY2026 took effect October 1, 2025.

Official Registry Overview & Definition

Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (T33.40). A more specific billable subcode must be selected for claims submission. Includes: frostbite with partial thickness skin loss. Excludes2 (not included here): superficial frostbite of wrist and hand (T33.5-); hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69.-). 7th character: The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T33.

Official Tabular Instructional Notes

Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for T33.40 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.

Includes

Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.

  • frostbite with partial thickness skin loss

Excludes2 — Not Included Here

Conditions not covered by this code, but which may be reported alongside it when both are present.

  • superficial frostbite of wrist and hand (T33.5-)
  • hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69.-)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance

Can T33.40 be billed directly?

No. T33.40 (Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code. A more specific billable subcode must be selected based on clinical documentation.

Does T33.40 require a 7th character?

Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T33.

Can T33.40 be reported alongside related conditions?

Per official ICD-10-CM Excludes2 instructions, T33.40 and the following are not considered part of each other and may both be reported when both conditions are present: superficial frostbite of wrist and hand (T33.5-); hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69.-).

Nearest Codes in This Family

Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to T33.40 in its code family, with their registry titles.

  • T33.3 — Superficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back and pelvis
  • T33.3XXA — Superficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back and pelvis, initial encounter
  • T33.3XXD — Superficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back and pelvis, subsequent encounter
  • T33.3XXS — Superficial frostbite of abdominal wall, lower back and pelvis, sequela
  • T33.4 — Superficial frostbite of arm
  • T33.40XA — Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm, initial encounter
  • T33.40XD — Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm, subsequent encounter
  • T33.40XS — Superficial frostbite of unspecified arm, sequela
  • T33.41 — Superficial frostbite of right arm
  • T33.41XA — Superficial frostbite of right arm, initial encounter

View all codes in the T33 family