ICD-10 T33
Non-Billable HeaderSuperficial frostbite
About ICD-10-CM T33
ICD-10-CM code T33 represents Superficial frostbite. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block T33). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM T33 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Coding Tips for T33
Specialist guidance from the PayerReady Medical Coding Team. Specificity warnings, HCC capture rules, sequencing notes.
Injury codes require a 7th character: A (initial encounter, active treatment), D (subsequent, healing/recovery), S (sequela, late effect of original injury). Codes with fewer than 6 characters need the placeholder X to bring them to 6 characters before adding the 7th. Wrong or missing 7th character is the #1 cause of injury claim denials.
Includes
- frostbite with partial thickness skin loss
Coding Notes
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T33
Medicare LCD Coverage for T33
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list T33 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing T33.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but T33 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with T33
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To T33
Other codes in section T33-T34 (Frostbite).
ICD-10 T33, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code T33 billable? +
No, T33 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block T33 when submitting claims.
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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