Anatomical Regions (CW) ICD-10-PCS
The CW body system covers Nuclear Medicine procedures on anatomical regions, with 191 ICD-10-PCS codes across 5 root operations, 186 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 5 operations · 191 codes
| Chars 1–3 | Root Operation | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| CW1 | Planar Nuclear Medicine ImagingIntroduction of radioactive materials into the body for single plane display of images developed from the capture of radioactive emissions | 74 | 73 |
| CW2 | Tomographic (Tomo) Nuclear Medicine ImagingIntroduction of radioactive materials into the body for three dimensional display of images developed from the capture of radioactive emissions | 74 | 73 |
| CW3 | Positron Emission Tomographic (PET) ImagingIntroduction of radioactive materials into the body for three dimensional display of images developed from the simultaneous capture, 180 degrees apart, of radioactive emissions | 2 | 1 |
| CW5 | Nonimaging Nuclear Medicine ProbeIntroduction of radioactive materials into the body for the study of distribution and fate of certain substances by the detection of radioactive emissions; or, alternatively, measurement of absorption of radioactive emissions from an external source | 28 | 27 |
| CW7 | Systemic Nuclear Medicine TherapyIntroduction of unsealed radioactive materials into the body for treatment | 13 | 12 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the CW Body System
These nuclear medicine codes cover imaging, nonimaging studies, and treatment involving the head and neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, and whole body. The body-part character can also identify the thyroid or multiple anatomical regions.
Imaging tables distinguish single-plane images, three-dimensional images, and PET images made from emissions detected simultaneously from opposite directions. A nonimaging probe studies where radioactive substances go or measures absorption of emissions from an external source. The therapy table covers treatment using radioactive materials introduced into the body.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the CW body system?
The CW body system contains 191 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2027, organized into 5 root operations. 186 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.
