Is ICD-10-CM code W27 billable?

No, W27 (Contact with nonpowered hand tool) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code W27 belong to?

W27 belongs to Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: V00–Y99 (External Causes of Morbidity).

W27Not billable, use a more specific code below

Contact with nonpowered hand tool

In Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49), chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity

21 billable codes under W27: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Also applies, from Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)

These notes sit on W20-W49 and apply to every code under it, including W27.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

assault (X92-Y09)
contact or collision with animals or persons (W50-W64)
exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)
intentional self-harm (X71-X83)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers how to report external cause codes (V00-Y99) describing cause, intent, place, activity, and status. They are never principal or first-listed, and reporting is voluntary unless required.

General External Cause Coding Guidelines (page 88)
Place of Occurrence Guideline (page 89)
Activity Code (page 89)
Place of Occurrence, Activity, and Status Codes Used with other External Cause Code (page 89)
If the Reporting Format Limits the Number of External Cause Codes (page 90)
Multiple External Cause Coding Guidelines (page 90)
Child and Adult Abuse Guideline (page 90)
Unknown or Undetermined Intent Guideline (page 91)

Read Section I.C.20 (page 87), 3 more topics

All codes under W27

W27 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

W27 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

Other codes that refer to W27

Notes on these codes point to W27.

W23 Excludes1: injury caused by cutting or piercing instruments (W25-W27)
W23 Excludes1: injury caused by nonpowered hand tools (W27.-)
W29 Excludes1: contact with nonpowered hand tool (W27.-)
W45 Excludes2: contact with hand tools (nonpowered) (powered) (W27-W29)

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.