2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W49Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
W49 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W49.01XA, W49.01XD, W49.01XS, and W49.02XA.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forcesOverview
Non-specific codes like W49 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
W49.0 for Item causing external constriction
W49.01 for Hair causing external constriction
W49.02 for String or thread causing external constriction
W49.03 for Rubber band causing external constriction
W49.04 for Ring or other jewelry causing external constriction
W49.09 for Other specified item causing external constriction
W49.9 for Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- exposure to abnormal gravitational G forces
- exposure to inanimate mechanical forces NEC
Type 1 Excludes
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W49
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About W49Overview
Is W49 (Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces need a more specific code from this category, such as W49.01XA, W49.01XD, and W49.01XS.
