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ICD-10 Coding for Suicide Attempt(T14.91XA, X71.XXXA)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Suicide Attempt. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Attempted SuicideSelf-Harm Attempt

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Suicide Attempt

T14.91-T14.99Primary Range

Injury, unspecified

Primary range for coding unspecified injuries related to suicide attempts.

X71-X83

Intentional self-harm

External cause codes for mechanisms of self-harm in suicide attempts.

T36-T50

Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances

Codes for poisoning with intent of self-harm.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
T14.91XASuicide attempt, initial encounterUse when documenting a confirmed suicide attempt with unspecified injury.
  • Documented intent to die
  • Method and circumstances of the attempt
X71.XXXAIntentional self-harm by drowning, initial encounterUse alongside T14.91XA to specify drowning as the method.
  • Evidence of drowning attempt with intent to die

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for suicide attempt

Essential facts and insights about Suicide Attempt

The ICD-10 code for a suicide attempt is T14.91XA, used for initial encounters of unspecified injuries related to suicide attempts.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for suicide attempt

T14.91XA
Suicide attempt, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of self-harm with intent to die

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed account of the attempt including method and intent

Applicable To

  • Attempted suicide

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented intent to die
  • Method and circumstances of the attempt

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification as accidental injury

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies intent and method to avoid misclassification.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified

F32.9
Use to document underlying mental health conditions.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Suicidal ideations

R45.851
Use when there is ideation without an actual attempt.

Accidental drowning and submersion

W69
Use when drowning is accidental, not intentional.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Suicide Attempt to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code T14.91XA.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misinterpretation of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for incorrect billing and reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include patient statements about intent, Ensure method and circumstances are clearly documented

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reimbursement issues., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specificity., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Use codes that specify intentional self-harm when intent is documented.

Impact

Failure to document intent can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes clear statements of intent.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Suicide Attempt, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Suicide Attempt

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Suicide Attempt. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Method of attempt
  • Exact substance/device used
  • Quantity/dose
  • Time of ingestion/injury
  • Stated intent
  • Rescue circumstances
  • Current suicidal ideation
  • Prior attempts
  • Protective factors
  • Risk stratification
  • Disposition

Example Documentation

Patient presented via EMS after intentional overdose of 40×10mg zolpidem tablets at 2100. States 'I wanted to never wake up.' Empty prescription bottle found bedside. Current GCS 14. Previous attempt 6/2023 by hanging. PHQ-9 score 25/27. Plan: 1:1 observation, psychiatry consult, initiate fluoxetine.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient attempted suicide by pills
Good Documentation Example
Intentionally ingested 28×25mg sertraline tablets at 22:00 after writing suicide note. EMS administered activated charcoal at 22:45. PHQ-9=27, C-SSRS=6.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the method, timing, and intent, which are essential for accurate coding and clinical understanding.

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