Contact with other hot metals (X18) ICD-10-CM
The X18 code range covers contact with other hot metals with 4 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 3 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Contact with liquid metal
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 code X18
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 X18 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
About the X18 Code Range
The ICD-10 code X18 is used specifically to classify injuries resulting from contact with hot metals. This includes various stages of medical care such as the first treatment, follow-up visits, and long-term effects of burns caused by hot metal contact.
X18 codes cover burns caused by contact with molten metal or hot metal objects, often encountered in industrial or occupational settings. Commonly referred to as burning due to contact with molten metal or hot liquids related to metalwork, these codes help differentiate the initial encounter (X18.XXXA), subsequent care (X18.XXXD), and sequela or residual conditions (X18.XXXS). Using these codes allows for precise documentation of this specific type of thermal injury, important for healthcare providers and coders managing cases of metal-related burns and tracking recovery or complications over time.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the X18 range?
Of the 4 codes in this range, 3 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 X18 range classify?
The range classifies contact with other hot metals. 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.
