T79.1

⚠ Non-billable (Header)

Fat embolism (traumatic)

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)

⚠️ This is a category header code — not billable. Use a more specific child code below.

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❌ Excludes1

direct

These codes are mutually exclusive. Never code them together.

• fat embolism complicating:
• abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy (O00-O07, O08.2)
• pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O88.8)

⚠️ Excludes2

inherited

Rules inherited from parent codes.

T79

• acute respiratory distress syndrome (J80)
• complications occurring during or following medical procedures (T80-T88)
• complications of surgical and medical care NEC (T80-T88)
• newborn respiratory distress syndrome (P22.0)

Child Codes (3)

T79.1XXAFat embolism (traumatic), initial encounter✓ Billable T79.1XXDFat embolism (traumatic), subsequent encounter✓ Billable T79.1XXSFat embolism (traumatic), sequela✓ Billable

Clinical Description

ICD-10-CM code T79.1 represents fat embolism (traumatic). This code falls under the Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88) classification. It is a non-billable category header code. A more specific child code from the list below must be used for billing and reimbursement purposes.

This is a 5-character code at the 4th level of specificity. There are 3 more specific child codes under T79.1. Coders should note that T79.1 has 3 Excludes1 restriction(s) — codes that cannot be reported together on the same claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICD-10 code T79.1?

ICD-10-CM code T79.1 is "Fat embolism (traumatic)". It belongs to the category: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88).

Is T79.1 a billable ICD-10 code?

No, T79.1 is a non-billable header code. A more specific child code must be used for billing.

What codes are excluded with T79.1?

T79.1 has 3 Excludes1 rule(s). These codes are mutually exclusive and cannot be coded together on the same claim.

Can T79.1 be coded with other codes?

T79.1 has 4 Excludes2 note(s). These conditions can be coded together if both are documented in the patient record.

Related Codes in T79

Other codes in the same category that may be relevant for differential coding:

T79.0Air embolism (traumatic)T79.2Traumatic secondary and recurrent hemorrhage and seroma T79.4Traumatic shock T79.5Traumatic anuria T79.6Traumatic ischemia of muscle T79.7Traumatic subcutaneous emphysema T79.8Other early complications of trauma T79.9Unspecified early complication of trauma T79.ATraumatic compartment syndrome

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Code Information

CodeT79.1

BillableNo — Header code

ParentT79

CategoryInjury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)

Excludes13 rule(s)

Excludes24 note(s)

Child codes3

Data Source

CMS ICD-10-CM 2026 Tabular List

Updated October 1, 2025 (FY2026)