Contact with dog (W54) ICD-10-CM
The W54 code range covers contact with dog with 13 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 9 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- contact with saliva, feces or urine of dog
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 W54
7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Codes in the W54 Range 13 codes · 9 billable
- W54 Contact with dogNon-billable
- W54.0 Bitten by dogNon-billable
- W54.0XXA Bitten by dog, initial encounter
- W54.0XXD Bitten by dog, subsequent encounter
- W54.0XXS Bitten by dog, sequela
- W54.1 Struck by dogNon-billable
- W54.1XXA Struck by dog, initial encounter
- W54.1XXD Struck by dog, subsequent encounter
- W54.1XXS Struck by dog, sequela
- W54.8 Other contact with dogNon-billable
- W54.8XXA Other contact with dog, initial encounter
- W54.8XXD Other contact with dog, subsequent encounter
- W54.8XXS Other contact with dog, sequela
About the W54 Code Range
The W54 ICD-10 section classifies health encounters related to contact with dogs, including dog bites, strikes, and other dog-related injuries such as scratches. These codes specify the type and timing of the incident, aiding in precise medical record documentation.
This section includes codes like W54.0 for being bitten by a dog, differentiated further by encounter stages such as initial (W54.0XXA), subsequent (W54.0XXD), and sequela (W54.0XXS) encounters. Common terms such as "dog bite," "open wound due to dog bite," and "infection caused by dog bite" align with these codes, helping coders associate clinical presentations with the proper ICD-10 code. Similarly, W54.1 addresses injuries from being struck by a dog, while W54.8 covers other contacts like dog scratches, with codes available for different encounter types. These designations ensure accurate coding for a variety of dog-related injuries, supporting healthcare providers and coders in selecting the correct ICD-10 code for injuries caused by dogs.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W54 range?
Of the 13 codes in this range, 9 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the W54 range classify?
The range classifies contact with dog. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
