T71.21XA is the authoritative medical code for Asphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth, initial encounter. This classification is used in medical billing and clinical recording to specify the clinical criteria for asphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth, initial encounter (ICD-10-CM T71.21XA), ensuring healthcare documentation aligns with 2026 federal coding standards.
Billing Status: YES. This is a valid, specific, and billable ICD-10-CM reference.
Official Registry Overview & Definition
Asphyxiation due to cave-in or falling earth, initial encounter is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code T71.21A. 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.-. Use additional code: code for any associated cataclysm X34-X38. 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-. 7th character: The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T71.
Official Tabular Instructional Notes
Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for T71.21XA in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.
Excludes1 — Not Coded Here
Conditions that can never be reported with this code; the two are mutually exclusive.
- 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.-
Code Also
Additional codes that may be required to fully describe the encounter.
- , 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-
Use Additional Code
Supplementary codes the tabular list directs you to add.
- code for any associated cataclysm X34-X38
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance
Does T71.21XA require a 7th character?
Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T71.
What can't be coded together with T71.21XA?
Per official ICD-10-CM Excludes1 instructions, T71.21XA must not be reported together with: acute respiratory distress (syndrome) (J80); anoxia due to high altitude (T70.2); asphyxia NOS (R09.01); asphyxia from carbon monoxide (T58.-).
Is an additional code needed with T71.21XA?
Use additional code(s) to specify: code for any associated cataclysm (X34-X38).
Nearest Codes in This Family
Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to T71.21XA in its code family, with their registry titles.
- T71 — Asphyxiation
- T71.1 — Asphyxiation due to mechanical threat to breathing
- T71.11 — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow
- T71.111 — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, accidental
- T71.111A — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, accidental, initial encounter
- T71.111D — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, accidental, subsequent encounter
- T71.111S — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, accidental, sequela
- T71.112 — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, intentional self-harm
- T71.112A — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, intentional self-harm, initial encounter
- T71.112D — Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, intentional self-harm, subsequent encounter
View all 40 codes in the T71 family