2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W40Explosion of other materials

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W40

ICD-10-CM W40
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W40 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for explosion of other materials, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W40.0XXA, W40.0XXD, W40.0XXS, and W40.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W40
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Explosion of other materials
Short Description
Explosion of other materials
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
W20-W49
Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionW20-W49Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces
CategoryW40Explosion of other materials
This CodeW40Explosion of other materials

Specific Coding for Explosion of other materialsOverview

Non-specific codes like W40 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W40.0 for Explosion of blasting material

  • W40.1 for Explosion of explosive gases

  • W40.8 for Explosion of other specified explosive materials

  • W40.9 for Explosion of unspecified explosive materials

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W40: its own notes plus those printed at block W20-W49 and Chapter 20. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

On W40 itself
  • assault by explosive material (X96)
  • explosion involving legal intervention (Y35.1-)
  • explosion involving military or war operations (Y36.0-, Y36.2-)
  • intentional self-harm by explosive material (X75)
From Block W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces applies to 510 codes
  • assault (X92-Y09)
  • contact or collision with animals or persons (W50-W64)
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)
  • intentional self-harm (X71-X83)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 20 (V00-Y99) External causes of morbidity and mortality applies to 7,461 codes
  • This chapter permits the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, and other adverse effects. Where a code from this section is applicable, it is intended that it shall be used secondary to a code from another chapter of the Classification indicating the nature of the condition. Most often, the condition will be classifiable to Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). Other conditions that may be stated to be due to external causes are classified in Chapters I to XVIII. For these conditions, codes from Chapter 20 should be used to provide additional information as to the cause of the condition.

7th Character

Every code in the category takes a 7th character from the listed values, with the placeholder X filling any empty positions before it.

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W40
Values for category W40 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name W40, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming W40: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • W20 Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
    object set in motion by explosion (W35-W40) names W35-W40, which includes this code

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming W40: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • Block X00-X08 Exposure to smoke, fire and flames
    explosions (W35-W40) names W35-W40, which includes this code

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About W40Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for explosion of other materials?

W40 is the ICD-10-CM category for explosion of other materials, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W40 (Explosion of other materials) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for explosion of other materials, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for explosion of other materials need a more specific code from this category, such as W40.0XXA, W40.0XXD, and W40.0XXS.

Can W40 be reported with X96?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on W40 lists "assault by explosive material (X96)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).