Anatomical Regions (BW) ICD-10-PCS
The BW body system covers Imaging procedures on anatomical regions, with 230 ICD-10-PCS codes across 6 root operations, 218 of them billable in fiscal year 2026. Each root operation defines a distinct procedural objective, and the info icons show the official definition with a preview of the codes inside.
Root Operations in This Body System 6 operations · 230 codes
| Chars 1–3 | Root Operation | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| BW0 | Plain RadiographyPlanar display of an image developed from the capture of external ionizing radiation on photographic or photoconductive plate | 20 | 18 |
| BW1 | FluoroscopySingle plane or bi-plane real time display of an image developed from the capture of external ionizing radiation on fluorescent screen. The image may also be stored by either digital or analog means | 34 | 32 |
| BW2 | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)Computer-reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of multiple exposures of external ionizing radiation | 114 | 112 |
| BW3 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Computer reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of radio frequency signals emitted by nuclei in a body site excited within a magnetic field | 42 | 40 |
| BW4 | UltrasonographyReal time display of images of anatomy or flow information developed from the capture of reflected and attenuated high frequency sound waves | 10 | 8 |
| BW5 | Other ImagingOther specified modality for visualizing a body part | 10 | 8 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the BW Body System
The ICD-10-PCS root operation BW - Anatomical Regions refers to a group of imaging techniques used to visualize specific parts of the body for diagnostic purposes. This operation encompasses multiple modalities that capture and display images of anatomical regions without direct physical intervention.
Within the Imaging classification, these codes describe various imaging methods. For example, Plain Radiography (BW0) produces planar images from external ionizing radiation on photographic plates. Fluoroscopy (BW1) provides real-time image display on a fluorescent screen and may involve single or biplane techniques. Advanced imaging like Computerized Tomography (CT scan) (BW2) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (BW3) offer digitally reformatted multiplanar views using ionizing radiation and radio frequency signals respectively. Additionally, Ultrasonography (BW4) captures images through high-frequency sound waves, while Other Imaging (BW5) covers alternative imaging modalities. These codes help medical coders accurately document different imaging procedures performed to assess anatomical regions.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the BW body system?
The BW body system contains 230 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2026, organized into 6 root operations. 218 of them are billable on inpatient claims.
What is a root operation?
The root operation is the third character of every ICD-10-PCS code and names the objective of the procedure. Drainage takes fluid out, Excision cuts out a portion of a body part, and Resection removes all of one. Picking the right root operation is the central skill of PCS coding, so each one above carries its official CMS definition.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
