2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W49Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W49

ICD-10-CM W49
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

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

ICD-10-CM Code
W49
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
Short Description
Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
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
CategoryW49Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
This CodeW49Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces

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

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W49: 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.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • exposure to abnormal gravitational [G] forces
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces NEC

Excludes1

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

On W49 itself
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)
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 W49
Values for category W49 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

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

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 W49Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces?

W49 is the ICD-10-CM category for exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

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.

Can W49 be reported with a code from Y36?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on W49 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).