Is ICD-10-CM code W46 billable?

No, W46 (Contact with hypodermic needle) 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 W46 belong to?

W46 belongs to Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: V00–Y99 (External Causes of Morbidity).

W46Not billable, use a more specific code below

Contact with hypodermic needle

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

6 billable codes under W46: 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 W46.

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 W46

W46 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

W46 MS-DRGs

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

Other codes that refer to W46

Notes on these codes point to W46.

W27.3 Excludes1: contact with hypodermic needle (W46.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Occupational Health for Health Care Providers

Health care workers are exposed to many job hazards. These can include : Follow good job safety and injury prevention practices. They can reduce your risk of health problems. Use protective equipment, follow infection control guidelines, learn the right way to lift heavy objects, and find ways to manage stress.

Code history

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