Is ICD-10-CM code W42 billable?

No, W42 (Exposure to noise) 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 W42 belong to?

W42 belongs to Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: V00–Y99 (External Causes of Morbidity).

W42

Non-Billable

ChapterV00–Y99

Rankcategory

Description

Exposure to noise

About ICD-10-CM code W42

Under V00-Y99 External Causes of Morbidity, within Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49), ICD-10-CM code W42 describes Exposure to noise. This code cannot be billed directly because more specific child codes exist beneath it.

Use a more specific code (2 billable)

W42.0Exposure to supersonic waves W42.9Exposure to other noise

Metadata & Insights

•Non-billable category (requires more specific sub-code).
•Chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity (V00-Y99).

W20-W49 Parent Instructions

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)

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes

CH20External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)

W20-W49Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)

W42Exposure to noiseNot billable

W42.0Exposure to supersonic wavesBillable

W42.9Exposure to other noiseBillable

Applicable Ancestor Context

The following parent sections contain instructions or notes that apply to W42:

blockW20-W49

Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)

View context instructions

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.

Cross Reference

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