ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code X71.9 - Intentional self-harm by drowning and submersion, unspecified (original) (raw)

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ICD List 2025-2026 Edition

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Intentional self-harm by drowning and submersion, unspecified

ICD-10-CM Code:

X71.9

ICD-10 Code for:

Intentional self-harm by drowning and submersion, unsp

Is Billable?

Not Valid for Submission

Code Navigator:

X71.9 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity from the list below for a diagnosis of intentional self-harm by drowning and submersion, unspecified. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2026 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like X71.9 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Non-specific codes like X71.9 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following billable codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for intentional self-harm by drowning and submersion, unsp:

Use X71.9XXA for initial encounter

Use X71.9XXD for subsequent encounter

Use X71.9XXS for sequela

  1. Code Information
  2. Specific Coding
  3. Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
  4. Patient Education
  5. Other Codes Used Similar Conditions
  6. Code History

Drowning

People drown when they get too much water in their lungs. You can drown in as little as an inch or two of water. Babies can drown in a sink or bathtub. Preschoolers are most likely to drown in a swimming pool. People who have seizure disorders are also at risk in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

Drowning precautions should include:

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Self-Harm

What is self-harm?

Self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person hurts his or her own body on purpose. The injuries may be minor, but sometimes they can be severe. They may leave permanent scars or cause serious health problems. Some examples are:

Self-harm is not a mental disorder. It is a behavior - an unhealthy way to cope with strong feelings. However, some of the people who harm themselves do have a mental disorder.

People who harm themselves are usually not trying to attempt suicide. But they are at higher risk of attempting suicide if they do not get help.

Why do people harm themselves?

There are different reasons why people harm themselves. Often, they have trouble coping and dealing with their feelings. They harm themselves to try to:

Who is at risk for self-harm?

There are people of all ages who harm themselves, but it usually starts in the teen or early adult years. Self-harm is more common in people who:

What are the signs of self-harm?

Signs that someone may be hurting themselves include:

How can I help someone who self-harms?

If someone you know is self-harming, it is important not to be judgmental. Let that person know that you want to help. If the person is a child or teenager, ask him or her to talk to a trusted adult. If he or she won't do that, talk to a trusted adult yourself. If the person who is self-harming is an adult, suggest mental health counseling.

What the treatments are for self-harm?

There are no medicines to treat self-harming behaviors. But there are medicines to treat any mental disorders that the person may have, such as anxiety and depression. Treating the mental disorder may weaken the urge to self-harm.

Mental health counseling or therapy can also help by teaching the person:

If the problem is severe, the person may need more intensive treatment in a psychiatric hospital or a mental health day program.

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]