2027 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 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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
Short Description
Contact with hypodermic needle
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
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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W46: 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.

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 W46
Values for category W46 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 W46, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming W46: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • W27.3 Contact with needle (sewing)
    contact with hypodermic needle (W46.-)

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 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About W46Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for contact with hypodermic needle?

W46 is the ICD-10-CM category for contact with hypodermic needle, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.

Can W46 be reported with a code from Y36?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at block W20-W49, which applies to W46, lists "exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)". 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).