2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W46Contact with hypodermic needle

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W46

ICD-10-CM W46
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

W46 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for contact with hypodermic needle, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W46.0XXA, W46.0XXD, W46.0XXS, and W46.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W46
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Contact with hypodermic needle
Chapter
W20-W49
Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionW20-W49Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces
CategoryW46Contact with hypodermic needle
This CodeW46Contact with hypodermic needle

Specific Coding for Contact with hypodermic needleOverview

Non-specific codes like W46 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W46.0 for Contact with hypodermic needle

  • W46.1 for Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

7th Character Note

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W46

7th Character

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient EducationClinical

Occupational Health for Health Care Providers

Health care workers are exposed to many job hazards. These can include :

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Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About W46Overview

Is W46 (Contact with hypodermic needle) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for contact with hypodermic needle, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for contact with hypodermic needle need a more specific code from this category, such as W46.0XXA, W46.0XXD, and W46.0XXS.