2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W88Exposure to ionizing radiation
W88 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for exposure to ionizing radiation, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W88.0XXA, W88.0XXD, W88.0XXS, and W88.1XXA.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Exposure to ionizing radiationOverview
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Type 1 Excludes
- exposure to sunlight X32
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W88
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
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.
Patient EducationClinical
Radiation Exposure
Radiation is energy. It travels in the form of energy waves or high-speed particles. Radiation can occur naturally or be man-made. There are two types:
The full article covers:
- What is radiation?
- What are the sources of radiation exposure?
- What are the health effects of radiation exposure?
- What are the treatments for acute radiation sickness?
- How can radiation exposure be prevented?
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About W88Overview
Is W88 (Exposure to ionizing radiation) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for exposure to ionizing radiation, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for exposure to ionizing radiation need a more specific code from this category, such as W88.0XXA, W88.0XXD, and W88.0XXS.
