Is ICD-10-CM code T51 billable?

No, T51 (Toxic effect of alcohol) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code T51 belong to?

T51 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

T51Not billable, use a more specific code below

Toxic effect of alcohol

In Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source (T51-T65), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

72 billable codes under T51: none are a CC or MCC; 6 map to HCC 155 (Major Depression, Moderate or Severe, without Psychosis).An HCC counts toward a Medicare Advantage patient's risk score.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source (T51-T65)

These notes sit on T51-T65 and apply to every code under it, including T51.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

contact with and (suspected) exposure to toxic substances (Z77.-)

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code(s):
for all associated manifestations of toxic effect, such as: respiratory conditions due to external agents (J60-J70)
personal history of foreign body fully removed (Z87.821)
to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Section I.C.19.e Adverse Effects, Poisoning, Underdosing and Toxic Effects (page 82), covers T51
For adverse effects, code the effect first, then T36-T50 with character 5. Sequence poisonings (unknown intent coded accidental) and toxic effects (T51-T65) first; underdosing (character 6) is never first-listed.

All codes under T51

T51 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

T51 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under T51 group to MS-DRG 917, 918, 922, 923, 949, or 950 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 917 Poisoning and Toxic Effects of Drugs with MCC (24 of 72 codes)
DRG 918 Poisoning and Toxic Effects of Drugs without MCC (24 of 72 codes)
DRG 922 Other Injury, Poisoning and Toxic Effect Diagnoses with MCC (24 of 72 codes)
DRG 923 Other Injury, Poisoning and Toxic Effect Diagnoses without MCC (24 of 72 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (24 of 72 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (24 of 72 codes)

Other codes that refer to T51

Notes on these codes point to T51.

D61.2 Code First: if applicable, toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source (T51-T65)
G21.2 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify external agent
G62.2 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent
G70.1 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent
G72.2 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent
H10.21 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
H46.3 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify cause
J68 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify cause
J69.1 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify substance
J69.8 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify substance
J70.8 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify the external agent
J70.9 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify the external agent
J84.89 Code First: poisoning due to drug or toxin (T51-T65 with fifth or sixth character to indicate intent), for toxic pneumonopathy
K52.1 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent
K59.3 Code First: if applicable (T51-T65) to identify toxic agent
T20.4 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
T20.5 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
T20.6 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
T20.7 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
T21.4 Code First: (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Alcohol

Many Americans drink alcohol at least occasionally. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that adults of legal drinking age should either not drink or drink in moderation. Drinking less is better for your health than drinking more. Also, there are some people who should not drink at all.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.