2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Y38Terrorism

ICD-10-CM CodesV01–Y99Y35-Y38Y38

ICD-10-CM Y38
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Y38 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for terrorism, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Y38.0X1A, Y38.0X1D, Y38.0X1S, and Y38.0X2A.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Y38
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Terrorism
Chapter
Y35-Y38
Legal intervention, operations of war, military operations, and terrorism

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionY35-Y38Legal intervention, operations of war, military operations, and terrorism
CategoryY38Terrorism
This CodeY38Terrorism

Specific Coding for TerrorismOverview

Non-specific codes like Y38 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Y38.0 for Terrorism involving explosion of marine weapons

  • Y38.0X for Terrorism involving explosion of marine weapons

  • Y38.1 for Terrorism involving destruction of aircraft

  • Y38.1X for Terrorism involving destruction of aircraft

  • Y38.2 for Terrorism involving other explosions and fragments

  • Y38.2X for Terrorism involving other explosions and fragments

  • Y38.3 for Terrorism involving fires, conflagration and hot substances

  • Y38.3X for Terrorism involving fires, conflagration and hot substances

  • Y38.4 for Terrorism involving firearms

  • Y38.4X for Terrorism involving firearms

  • Y38.5 for Terrorism involving nuclear weapons

  • Y38.5X for Terrorism involving nuclear weapons

  • Y38.6 for Terrorism involving biological weapons

  • Y38.6X for Terrorism involving biological weapons

  • Y38.7 for Terrorism involving chemical weapons

  • Y38.7X for Terrorism involving chemical weapons

  • Y38.8 for Terrorism involving other and unspecified means

  • Y38.80 for Terrorism involving unspecified means

  • Y38.81 for Terrorism involving suicide bomber

  • Y38.89 for Terrorism involving other means

  • Y38.9 for Terrorism, secondary effects

  • Y38.9X for Terrorism, secondary effects

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • These codes are for use to identify injuries resulting from the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a Government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objective

Use Additional Code

  • code for place of occurrence Y92

7th Character Note

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category Y38

7th Character

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Bioterrorism

    the use of biological agents in terrorism. this includes the malevolent use of bacteria; viruses; or other biological toxins against people, animals; or plants.
  • Chemical Terrorism

    the use of chemical agents in terrorism. this includes the malevolent use of nerve agents, blood agents, blister agents, and choking agents (noxae).
  • Terrorism

    the use or threatened use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of criminal laws for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom, in support of political or social objectives.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About Y38Overview

Is Y38 (Terrorism) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for terrorism, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for terrorism need a more specific code from this category, such as Y38.0X1A, Y38.0X1D, and Y38.0X1S.