2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W65Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W65-W74›W65

ICD-10-CM W65
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W65 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W65.XXXA, W65.XXXD, and W65.XXXS.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W65
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub
Short Description
Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
W65-W74
Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionW65-W74Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion
CategoryW65Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub
This CodeW65Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W65: its own notes plus those printed at block W65-W74 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.

On W65 itself
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to fall in (into) bathtub (W16.211)
From Block W65-W74 Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion applies to 15 codes
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to fall into water (W16.-)
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to water transport accident (V90.-, V92.-)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block W65-W74 Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion applies to 15 codes
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to cataclysm (X34-X39)

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 code W65
  • 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 W65, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 2

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming W65: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • W16 Fall, jump or diving into water
    accidental non-watercraft drowning and submersion not involving fall (W65-W74)
  • W16.211 Fall in (into) filled bathtub causing drowning and submersion
    drowning and submersion while in filled bathtub without fall (W65)

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index; each main term links to its index entry.

Patient EducationClinical

Drowning

People drown when they get too much water in their lungs. You can drown in as little as an inch or two of water. Babies can drown in a sink or bathtub. Preschoolers are most likely to drown in a swimming pool. People who have seizure disorders are also at risk in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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 W65Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub?

W65 is the ICD-10-CM category for accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W65 (Accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for accidental drowning and submersion while in bath-tub need a more specific code from this category, such as W65.XXXA, W65.XXXD, and W65.XXXS.

Can W65 be reported with W16.211?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on W65 lists "accidental drowning and submersion due to fall in (into) bathtub (W16.211)". 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).