Is ICD-10-CM code X34 billable?

No, X34 (Earthquake) 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 X34 belong to?

X34 belongs to Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: V00–Y99 (External Causes of Morbidity).

X34Not billable, use a more specific code below

Earthquake

In Exposure to forces of nature (X30-X39), chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity

3 billable codes under X34: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

tidal wave (tsunami) due to earthquake (X37.41)

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 how to report external cause codes (V00-Y99) describing cause, intent, place, activity, and status. They are never principal or first-listed, and reporting is voluntary unless required.

General External Cause Coding Guidelines (page 88)
Place of Occurrence Guideline (page 89)
Activity Code (page 89)
Place of Occurrence, Activity, and Status Codes Used with other External Cause Code (page 89)
If the Reporting Format Limits the Number of External Cause Codes (page 90)
Multiple External Cause Coding Guidelines (page 90)
Child and Adult Abuse Guideline (page 90)
Unknown or Undetermined Intent Guideline (page 91)

Read Section I.C.20 (page 87), 3 more topics

All codes under X34

X34 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

X34 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

Other codes that refer to X34

Notes on these codes point to X34.

T71.21 Use Additional Code: code for any associated cataclysm (X34-X38)
V00-V99 Excludes2: transport accidents due to cataclysm (X34-X38)
W20 Code First: cataclysm (X34-X39)
W65-W74 Excludes2: accidental drowning and submersion due to cataclysm (X34-X39)
X36 Excludes1: earthquake (X34)

About the condition

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

Earthquakes

An earthquake happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another. Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently, and without warning at any time of the day or night. If an earthquake occurs in a populated area, it may cause property damage, injuries, and even deaths. If you live in a coastal area, there is the possibility of a tsunami. Damage from earthquakes can also lead to floods or fires.

Code history

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