Asphyxiation due to smothering in furniture, assault, init

This code signifies a life-threatening condition resulting from the obstruction of external airways by furniture, intentionally inflicted by another person. The lack of oxygen to the brain and other vital organs leads to severe physiological distress and potential organ damage or death. This specific code indicates that the patient is in the active phase of treatment for this injury.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with signs and symptoms of asphyxia, such as cyanosis, loss of consciousness, or respiratory arrest, directly caused by being smothered with furniture as an act of assault. This code is appropriate for the initial hospital visit or encounter where the injury is first evaluated and treated.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the mechanism of injury was smothering by furniture and the intent was assault.
• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) in conjunction with this code to fully describe the circumstances of the injury.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this specific injury; subsequent care would require a different seventh character.