ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for fat embolism
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Embolism (multiple) (paradoxical) › fat (cerebral) (pulmonary) (systemic)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding fat embolism
The ICD-10-CM code for fat embolism is T79.1 (Fat embolism (traumatic)). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on T79.1.
Within T79 (certain early complications of trauma, not elsewhere classified), T79.1 is specifically for fat embolism (traumatic). Related codes cover air embolism (traumatic) (T79.0), traumatic secondary and recurrent hemorrhage and seroma (T79.2), traumatic shock (T79.4), traumatic anuria (T79.5), traumatic ischemia of muscle (T79.6), traumatic subcutaneous emphysema (T79.7), other early complications of trauma (T79.8), unspecified early complication of trauma (T79.9) and 1 more.
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
Don't report T79.1 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: abortion or ectopic or molar pregnancy (O00-O07, O08.2) and pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O88.8).
More specific fat embolism codes (official index)
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for T79.1)
Common questions about fat embolism ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for fat embolism?
- T79.1 — Fat embolism (traumatic) (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: O08.2, I26.96, I26.04.
What is the ICD-10 code for pulmonary artery fat embolism?
- I26.96 — Fat embolism of pulmonary artery without acute cor pulmonale.
Is T79.1 billable?
- No. T79.1 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.