Drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
In Event of undetermined intent (Y21-Y33), chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity
21 billable codes under Y21: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.
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Instructional notes
Also applies, from Event of undetermined intent (Y21-Y33)
These notes sit on Y21-Y33 and apply to every code under it, including Y21.
Includes: conditions that are coded here
- Undetermined intent is only for use when there is specific documentation in the record that the intent of the injury cannot be determined. If no such documentation is present, code to accidental (unintentional)
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)
All codes under Y21
Y21 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.
- Y21.0Drowning and submersion while in bathtub, undetermined intent
- Y21.0XXADrowning and submersion while in bathtub, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.0XXDDrowning and submersion while in bathtub, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.0XXSDrowning and submersion while in bathtub, undetermined intent, sequela
- Y21.1Drowning and submersion after fall into bathtub, undetermined intent
- Y21.1XXADrowning and submersion after fall into bathtub, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.1XXDDrowning and submersion after fall into bathtub, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.1XXSDrowning and submersion after fall into bathtub, undetermined intent, sequela
- Y21.2Drowning and submersion while in swimming pool, undetermined intent
- Y21.2XXADrowning and submersion while in swimming pool, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.2XXDDrowning and submersion while in swimming pool, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.2XXSDrowning and submersion while in swimming pool, undetermined intent, sequela
- Y21.3Drowning and submersion after fall into swimming pool, undetermined intent
- Y21.3XXADrowning and submersion after fall into swimming pool, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.3XXDDrowning and submersion after fall into swimming pool, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.3XXSDrowning and submersion after fall into swimming pool, undetermined intent, sequela
- Y21.4Drowning and submersion in natural water, undetermined intent
- Y21.4XXADrowning and submersion in natural water, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.4XXDDrowning and submersion in natural water, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.4XXSDrowning and submersion in natural water, undetermined intent, sequela
- Y21.8Other drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
- Y21.8XXAOther drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.8XXDOther drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.8XXSOther drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, sequela
- Y21.9Unspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent
- Y21.9XXAUnspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, initial encounter
- Y21.9XXDUnspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, subsequent encounter
- Y21.9XXSUnspecified drowning and submersion, undetermined intent, sequela
Y21 MS-DRGs
This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.
About the condition
Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.
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.
Read more about drowning on MedlinePlusCode history
Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.