Contact with hypodermic needle (W46) ICD-10-CM
The W46 code range covers contact with hypodermic needle with 9 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 6 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
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 W46
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 W46 Range 9 codes · 6 billable
- W46 Contact with hypodermic needleNon-billable
- W46.0 Contact with hypodermic needleNon-billable
- W46.0XXA Contact with hypodermic needle, initial encounter
- W46.0XXD Contact with hypodermic needle, subsequent encounter
- W46.0XXS Contact with hypodermic needle, sequela
- W46.1 Contact with contaminated hypodermic needleNon-billable
- W46.1XXA Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle, initial encounter
- W46.1XXD Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle, subsequent encounter
- W46.1XXS Contact with contaminated hypodermic needle, sequela
About the W46 Code Range
The ICD-10 code W46 series is used to report injuries resulting from contact with hypodermic needles, distinguishing between uncontaminated and contaminated needles. These codes specify the nature and timing of the encounter, such as initial treatment, subsequent care, or complications that follow.
These codes cover incidents like accidental needle sticks or injuries during assaults involving hypodermic needles. For example, W46.0 refers to contact with an uncontaminated needle, while W46.1 is for contact with a contaminated needle, which may involve exposure to body fluids. The addition of seventh characters like XXA, XXD, and XXS further clarifies whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or related to a late effect (sequela). Using terms like "needle stick injury" or "injury due to assault with injection needle" can help medical coders correctly assign these codes. Therefore, the ICD-10 code for contact with a hypodermic needle helps healthcare providers document and track such injuries accurately for both treated wounds and follow-up care.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W46 range?
Of the 9 codes in this range, 6 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 W46 range classify?
The range classifies contact with hypodermic needle. 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.
