Is ICD-10-CM code T68 billable?

No, T68 (Hypothermia) 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 T68 belong to?

T68 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

T68Not billable, use a more specific code below

Hypothermia

In Other and unspecified effects of external causes (T66-T78), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

3 billable codes under T68: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Also indexed as: Hypothermia; Hypothermia, low environmental temperature; Subnormal, temperature

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

Accidental hypothermia
Hypothermia NOS

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

hypothermia following anesthesia (T88.51)
hypothermia not associated with low environmental temperature (R68.0)
hypothermia of newborn (P80.-)

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

frostbite (T33-T34)

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

code to identify source of exposure:
Exposure to excessive cold of man-made origin (W93)
Exposure to excessive cold of natural origin (X31)

Also applies, from Other and unspecified effects of external causes (T66-T78)

These notes sit on T66-T78 and apply to every code under it, including T68.

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on 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-)

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.

Covers 7th character use and coding of injuries, fractures, burns, drug and toxic effects, abuse and neglect, and complications of care (S00-T88).

Application of 7th Characters in Chapter 19 (page 77)
Coding of Injuries (page 78)
Coding of Traumatic Fractures (page 79)
Coding of Burns and Corrosions (page 80)
Adverse Effects, Poisoning, Underdosing and Toxic Effects (page 82)
Adult and child abuse, neglect and other maltreatment (page 85)
Complications of care (page 85)

Read Section I.C.19 (page 77)

All codes under T68

T68 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

T68 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under T68 group to MS-DRG 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 922 Other Injury, Poisoning and Toxic Effect Diagnoses with MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 923 Other Injury, Poisoning and Toxic Effect Diagnoses without MCC (2 of 3 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (1 of 3 codes)

Other codes that refer to T68

Notes on these codes point to T68.

R68.0 Excludes1: hypothermia NOS (accidental) (T68)
R68.0 Excludes1: hypothermia due to low environmental temperature (T68)
T33-T34 Excludes2: hypothermia and other effects of reduced temperature (T68, T69.-)

Code history

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