2025 ICD-10-CM code X77

Intentional self-harm by steam, hot vapors, and hot objects.

Code X77 should be used as a secondary code to a code from another chapter, typically Chapter 19 (Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes, S00-T88), which describes the nature of the injury. This code should not be used to describe accidental burns or burns resulting from other external causes.

Medical necessity for the treatment of the resulting injuries from intentional self-harm should be documented based on the severity and clinical presentation of the injuries themselves.This may include pain management, wound care, infection prevention, and psychological assessment and intervention.

It is the clinician's responsibility to accurately document the circumstances surrounding the self-harm, including the specific agent used (steam, hot vapors, or hot objects) and the nature of the resulting injuries.This information is crucial for appropriate coding and subsequent treatment.

In simple words: This code is used when someone intentionally harms themselves using steam, hot vapors, or hot objects. It describes the cause of the injury, not the injury itself.

Intentional self-harm by steam, hot vapors and hot objects. This code describes the circumstance causing an injury, not the nature of the injury itself.

Example 1: A patient intentionally burns themselves with steam from a boiling kettle., A patient deliberately inhales hot vapors from a heated chemical substance., A patient intentionally presses a hot iron against their skin.

Documentation should clearly state the intent of self-harm and the specific source of the burn (steam, hot vapor, or hot object). The nature and extent of the injury should also be detailed, including the body area affected, degree of burn, and any associated complications.If the patient has a history of self-harm or suicidal ideation, this should also be noted.

** This code requires a 7th character extension to indicate the encounter type (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela).

  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Burn Specialists, Primary Care
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office
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