2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W85Exposure to electric transmission lines
W85 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for exposure to electric transmission lines, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W85.XXXA, W85.XXXD, and W85.XXXS.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Inclusion Terms
- Broken power line
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code W85
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
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.
Patient EducationClinical
Electrical Injuries
When you come in direct contact with electricity, it can pass through your body and cause injuries. These electrical injuries can be external or internal. You may have one or both types. External injuries are skin burns. Internal injuries include damage to your organs, bones, muscles, and nerves.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About W85Overview
Is W85 (Exposure to electric transmission lines) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for exposure to electric transmission lines, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for exposure to electric transmission lines need a more specific code from this category, such as W85.XXXA, W85.XXXD, and W85.XXXS.
