Anatomical Regions (BW) ICD-10-PCS
The BW body system covers Imaging procedures on anatomical regions, with 115 ICD-10-PCS codes across 6 root operations, 109 of them billable in fiscal year 2027. 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 · 115 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 | 10 | 9 |
| 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 | 17 | 16 |
| BW2 | Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)Computer-reformatted digital display of multiplanar images developed from the capture of multiple exposures of external ionizing radiation | 57 | 56 |
| 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 | 21 | 20 |
| BW4 | UltrasonographyReal time display of images of anatomy or flow information developed from the capture of reflected and attenuated high frequency sound waves | 5 | 4 |
| BW5 | Other ImagingOther specified modality for visualizing a body part | 5 | 4 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the BW Body System
These codes describe imaging of regions such as the chest, abdomen, head, neck, limbs, and whole body. The body-part character distinguishes individual regions from combinations such as the chest and abdomen.
The tables distinguish plain radiography, which produces a flat X-ray image, from fluoroscopy, which displays moving X-ray images. CT builds images from multiple radiation exposures. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio signals, while ultrasonography uses reflected sound waves. Other imaging covers other specified ways to show a body part.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the BW body system?
The BW body system contains 115 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2027, organized into 6 root operations. 109 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 2027 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
