Is ICD-10-CM code X38 billable?

No, X38 (Flood) 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 X38 belong to?

X38 belongs to Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: V00–Y99 (External Causes of Morbidity).

X38Not billable, use a more specific code below

Flood

In Exposure to forces of nature (X30-X39), chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity

3 billable codes under X38: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

Flood arising from remote storm
Flood of cataclysmic nature arising from melting snow
Flood resulting directly from storm

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

collapse of dam or man-made structure causing earth movement (X36.0)
tidal wave NOS (X37.41)
tidal wave caused by storm (X37.42)

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 X38

X38 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

X38 MS-DRGs

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

Other codes that refer to X38

Notes on these codes point to X38.

T71.21 Use Additional Code: code for any associated cataclysm (X34-X38)
V00-V99 Excludes2: transport accidents due to cataclysm (X34-X38)
X37.8 Excludes2: flood (X38)

About the condition

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

Floods

Floods are common in the United States. Weather such as heavy rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, or tsunamis can cause flooding. Flooding can also happen when a river or stream overflows its bank, when a levee is breached, or when a dam breaks. Flash floods, which can develop quickly, often have a dangerous wall of roaring water. The wall carries rocks, mud, and rubble and can sweep away most things in its path.

Code history

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