Asphyxiation due to smothering under pillow, self-harm, init

This code signifies a patient presenting with asphyxiation resulting from intentional self-harm by smothering with a pillow. It indicates a deliberate act of self-injury with the intent to cause harm or death, specifically through airway obstruction by a pillow.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states that a patient's asphyxia was caused by self-inflicted smothering using a pillow, and the encounter is the initial presentation for this specific injury. This would be appropriate for emergency department visits or initial hospital admissions following such an event.

• Always confirm the intent of self-harm is explicitly documented.
• Ensure the mechanism of smothering specifically mentions a pillow.
• Verify this is the first encounter for this particular injury; subsequent encounters would use a different seventh character.