Asphyxiation due to smothering in furniture, self-harm, init

This code signifies a patient presenting with asphyxia resulting from intentional self-harm by smothering using furniture. The patient's airway was obstructed by an item of furniture, leading to oxygen deprivation. This is the initial encounter for this specific injury.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient attempted suicide by smothering themselves with furniture, such as a sofa cushion or mattress. This would be used for the initial assessment and treatment of the resulting anoxic injury or other complications. It is crucial that the intent is explicitly documented as self-harm.

• Ensure documentation specifies "intentional self-harm" and the use of "furniture" as the means of smothering.
• Always assign an external cause code (e.g., X70.-) in conjunction with this code to fully describe the circumstances.
• Verify that this is indeed the "initial encounter" for the injury; subsequent care would use a different seventh character.