ICD-10 T79
Non-Billable HeaderCertain early complications of trauma, not elsewhere classified
About ICD-10-CM T79
ICD-10-CM code T79 represents Certain early complications of trauma, not elsewhere classified. This is a non-billable header code in the Injury, Poisoning, and External Causes chapter (block T79). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM T79 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 T79
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.
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of T79, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)
- complications occurring during or following medical procedures (T80-T88)
- complications of surgical and medical care NEC (T80-T88)
- newborn respiratory distress syndrome (P22.0)
Coding Notes
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T79
Medicare LCD Coverage for T79
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list T79 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 T79.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but T79 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with T79
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 T79
Other codes in section T79 (Certain early complications of trauma).
ICD-10 T79, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code T79 billable? +
No, T79 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block T79 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for T79? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80); complications occurring during or following medical procedures (T80-T88); complications of surgical and medical care NEC (T80-T88)
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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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