2021 ICD-10-CM Code W90
Exposure to other nonionizing radiation
Not Valid for Submission
W90 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of exposure to other nonionizing radiation. The code is NOT valid for the year 2021 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.
| ICD-10: | W90 |
| Short Description: | Exposure to other nonionizing radiation |
| Long Description: | Exposure to other nonionizing radiation |
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Exposure to other nonionizing radiation
Header codes like W90 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for exposure to other nonionizing radiation:
- W90.0 - Exposure to radiofrequency
- W90.0XXA - Exposure to radiofrequency, initial encounter
- W90.0XXD - Exposure to radiofrequency, subsequent encounter
- W90.0XXS - Exposure to radiofrequency, sequela
- W90.1 - Exposure to infrared radiation
- W90.1XXA - Exposure to infrared radiation, initial encounter
- W90.1XXD - Exposure to infrared radiation, subsequent encounter
- W90.1XXS - Exposure to infrared radiation, sequela
- W90.2 - Exposure to laser radiation
- W90.2XXA - Exposure to laser radiation, initial encounter
- W90.2XXD - Exposure to laser radiation, subsequent encounter
- W90.2XXS - Exposure to laser radiation, sequela
- W90.8 - Exposure to other nonionizing radiation
- W90.8XXA - ... initial encounter
- W90.8XXD - ... subsequent encounter
- W90.8XXS - ... sequela
Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries
The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10 codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more. The following references are applicable to the code W90:
Type 2 Excludes
Type 2 ExcludesA type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- exposure to sunlight X32
7th Character Note
7th Character NoteCertain 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.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W90
7th Character
7th CharacterIndicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Information for Patients
Electromagnetic Fields
Also called: EMFs
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs), also called radiation, are areas of energy that surround electrical devices. Everyday sources of EMFs include
- Power lines
- Electrical wiring
- Microwave ovens
- Computers
- Cell phones
Some people worry about EMF exposure and cancer. Some studies have found a link between EMF exposure and a higher risk of childhood leukemia, but other studies have not. Other studies have not found proof that EMF exposure causes other childhood cancers. Studies in adults did not prove that EMF exposure causes cancer.
Some people worry that cell (wireless) phones cause cancer or other health problems. The phones do give off radiofrequency energy (RF), a form of electromagnetic radiation. So far, scientific evidence has not found a link between cell phone use and health problems in humans. However, scientists need to do more research on this before they can say for sure. If you are worried about avoiding any possible risks, you can limit your exposure by
- Reducing the amount of time you spend using your cell phone
- Use speaker mode or a headset to place more distance between your head and the cell phone
NIH: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
[Learn More in MedlinePlus]
Code History
- FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
- FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
- FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
- FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
- FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
- FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)