BW38ZZZMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Head
- Billable / Specific Code
BW38ZZZ is a billable ICD-10-PCS procedure code for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Head. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). The root operation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) involves computer reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of radiofrequency signals emitted by nuclei in a body site excited within a magnetic field. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this procedure falls under Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Code Identity
PCS Table Breakdown
Each ICD-10-PCS code is built from seven characters, each an axis of the procedure. Hover or tap the icons for the official CMS definitions.
| Position | Designation | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Section | B | Imaging |
| 2 | Body System | W | Anatomical Regions |
| 3 | Type | 3 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) |
| 4 | BodyPart | 8 | Head |
| 5 | Contrast | Z | None |
| 6 | Qualifier | Z | None |
| 7 | Qualifier | Z | None |
In the ICD-10-PCS Alphabetic Index
These FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS Alphabetic Index entries lead to BW38ZZZ:
Clinical Classification (CCSR)
AHRQ groups BW38ZZZ into these clinical categories.
Convert to ICD-9-PCS
Closest ICD-9-PCS equivalents for BW38ZZZ under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Similar Procedure Codes
Questions About BW38ZZZ
Is BW38ZZZ a billable code?
Yes. BW38ZZZ is a complete seven-character ICD-10-PCS code, specific enough to report Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Head on inpatient claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What do the characters in BW38ZZZ mean?
BW38ZZZ breaks down character by character: the 1st character B is the Section (Imaging); the 2nd character W is the Body System (Anatomical Regions); the 3rd character 3 is the Type (Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)); the 4th character 8 is the BodyPart (Head); the 5th character Z is the Contrast (None); the 6th character Z is the Qualifier (None); the 7th character Z is the Qualifier (None).
What is the ICD-9-PCS equivalent of BW38ZZZ?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of Head crosswalks to ICD-9-PCS 88.97. The mapping is approximate, so confirm it fits the documentation.
