Gastric contents in pharynx causing asphyxiation, subs

This code describes a patient presenting for follow-up care or treatment of complications arising from asphyxiation caused by the aspiration of gastric contents into the pharynx. This indicates that the initial event of choking on stomach contents and subsequent respiratory distress has already occurred and is being managed.

Apply this code when documenting subsequent encounters for patients who have previously experienced and been treated for asphyxiation due to gastric content aspiration. This includes visits for ongoing respiratory support, monitoring for aspiration pneumonia, or managing other sequelae of the initial event. Do not use for the initial presentation of the asphyxiation.

• Requires a seventh character "D" for subsequent encounter.
• Always sequence after the primary diagnosis for the underlying condition or complication being treated.
• Consider additional codes for any resulting conditions, such as aspiration pneumonia (J69.0).