Is ICD-10-CM code W90 billable?

No, W90 (Exposure to other nonionizing radiation) 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 W90 belong to?

W90 belongs to Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: V00–Y99 (External Causes of Morbidity).

W90Not billable, use a more specific code below

Exposure to other nonionizing radiation

In Exposure to electric current, radiation and extreme ambient air temperature and pressure (W85-W99), chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity

12 billable codes under W90: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

exposure to sunlight (X32)

Also applies, from Exposure to electric current, radiation and extreme ambient air temperature and pressure (W85-W99)

These notes sit on W85-W99 and apply to every code under it, including W90.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

exposure to:
failure in dosage of radiation or temperature during surgical and medical care (Y63.2-Y63.5)
lightning (T75.0-)
natural cold (X31)
natural heat (X30)
natural radiation NOS (X39)
radiological procedure and radiotherapy (Y84.2)
sunlight (X32)

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 W90

W90 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

W90 MS-DRGs

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

Other codes that refer to W90

Notes on these codes point to W90.

G62.82 Use Additional Code: external cause code (W88-W90, X39.0-) to identify cause
J70.0 Use Additional Code: code (W88-W90, X39.0-) to identify the external cause
J70.1 Use Additional Code: code (W88-W90, X39.0-) to identify the external cause
K12.33 Use Additional Code: external cause code (W88-W90, X39.0-) to identify cause
L57 Use Additional Code: code to identify the source of the ultraviolet radiation (W89), or other nonionizing radiation (W90)
L58 Use Additional Code: code to identify the source of the radiation (W88, W90)
M27.2 Use Additional Code: code (W88-W90, X39.0) to identify radiation, if radiation-induced
X39.0 Excludes1: exposure to man-made radiation (W88-W90)
Z77.123 Excludes2: radiation exposure as the cause of a confirmed condition (W88-W90, X39.0-)

About the condition

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

Electromagnetic Fields

Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), also called radiation, are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Everyday sources of EMFs include: Some people worry about EMF exposure and cancer. Some studies have found a link between EMF exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukemia, but other studies have not. Other studies have not found proof that EMF exposure causes other childhood cancers. Studies in adults did not prove that EMF exposure causes cancer.

Code history

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