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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code W46.1
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W46.1

Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle

ICD-10-CM Code:
W46.1
ICD-10 Code for:
Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • External causes of morbidity and mortality
    (V01–Y99)
    • Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces
      (W20-W49)
      • Contact with hypodermic needle
        (W46)

W46.1 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of contact with contaminated hypodermic needle. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle

Non-specific codes like W46.1 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for contact with contaminated hypodermic needle:

  • Use W46.1XXA for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use W46.1XXD for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use W46.1XXS for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Index of External Cause of Injuries

References found for this diagnosis code in the External Cause of Injuries Index:

    • Contact(accidental)
      • with
        • needle (sewing)
          • hypodermic
            • contaminated
    • Contact(accidental)
      • with
        • tool
          • hand (not powered)
            • needle (sewing)
              • hypodermic
                • contaminated

Patient Education


Occupational Health for Health Care Providers

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

  • Infections
  • Needle injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Allergy-causing substances
  • Violence
  • Stress

Follow good job safety and injury prevention practices. They can reduce your risk of health problems. Use protective equipment, follow infection control guidelines, learn the right way to lift heavy objects, and find ways to manage stress.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.