ICD-10-CM Code W90

Exposure to other nonionizing radiation

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: V01–Y98
  3. Section: W85-W99
  4. Block: W90
  5. W90 - Exposure to other nonionizing radiation
Version 2020 Non-Billable Code

Not Valid for Submission

W90 is a "header" nonspecific and non-billable 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 2020 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

ICD-10:W90
Short Description:Exposure to other nonionizing radiation
Long Description:Exposure to other nonionizing radiation

Consider the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity:

  • 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 1 Excludes

Type 1 Excludes
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.
  • exposure to sunlight X32

7th Character Note

7th Character Note
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.
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W90

7th Character

7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Code Classification

  • External causes of morbidity and mortality (V01–Y98)
    • Exposure to electric current, radiation and extreme ambient air temperature and pressure (W85-W99)
      • Exposure to other nonionizing radiation (W90)

Code History

  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016
    (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020

Information for Patients


Electromagnetic Fields

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


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