Contact with rodent (W53) ICD-10-CM
The W53 code range covers contact with rodent with 37 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 24 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 rodent
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 W53
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 W53 Range 37 codes · 24 billable
- W53 Contact with rodentNon-billable
- W53.0 Contact with mouseNon-billable
- W53.01 Bitten by mouseNon-billable
- W53.01XA Bitten by mouse, initial encounter
- W53.01XD Bitten by mouse, subsequent encounter
- W53.01XS Bitten by mouse, sequela
- W53.09 Other contact with mouseNon-billable
- W53.09XA Other contact with mouse, initial encounter
- W53.09XD Other contact with mouse, subsequent encounter
- W53.09XS Other contact with mouse, sequela
- W53.1 Contact with ratNon-billable
- W53.11 Bitten by ratNon-billable
- W53.11XA Bitten by rat, initial encounter
- W53.11XD Bitten by rat, subsequent encounter
- W53.11XS Bitten by rat, sequela
- W53.19 Other contact with ratNon-billable
- W53.19XA Other contact with rat, initial encounter
- W53.19XD Other contact with rat, subsequent encounter
- W53.19XS Other contact with rat, sequela
- W53.2 Contact with squirrelNon-billable
- W53.21 Bitten by squirrelNon-billable
- W53.21XA Bitten by squirrel, initial encounter
- W53.21XD Bitten by squirrel, subsequent encounter
- W53.21XS Bitten by squirrel, sequela
- W53.29 Other contact with squirrelNon-billable
- W53.29XA Other contact with squirrel, initial encounter
- W53.29XD Other contact with squirrel, subsequent encounter
- W53.29XS Other contact with squirrel, sequela
- W53.8 Contact with other rodentNon-billable
- W53.81 Bitten by other rodentNon-billable
- W53.81XA Bitten by other rodent, initial encounter
- W53.81XD Bitten by other rodent, subsequent encounter
- W53.81XS Bitten by other rodent, sequela
- W53.89 Other contact with other rodentNon-billable
- W53.89XA Other contact with other rodent, initial encounter
- W53.89XD Other contact with other rodent, subsequent encounter
- W53.89XS Other contact with other rodent, sequela
About the W53 Code Range
The ICD-10 code section W53 addresses various types of contact with rodents, including bites and other interactions with mice, rats, squirrels, and other rodents. These codes help document and classify injuries and encounters related to rodents precisely.
This section covers specific codes like W53.01XA for a bite of mouse (also known as "bite of domestic pet") during an initial medical encounter, and W53.11XA, which identifies a rat bite or "bite of rodent" in an initial visit. The codes further distinguish whether the patient is in an initial encounter, a subsequent encounter, or experiencing sequelae (long-term consequences) of the injury. In addition to bites, there are codes for other types of contact with rodents, such as W53.09XA for other contact with a mouse, which might include scratches or handling. The inclusion of synonyms like "rat bite wound," "squirrel bite wound," and "hamster bite wound" clarifies common terms that correspond to these official ICD-10 codes, aiding healthcare providers and coders in selecting the accurate code for injuries caused by rodents. These detailed distinctions ensure correct coding for wound types and incident timing related to rodent contact.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W53 range?
Of the 37 codes in this range, 24 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 W53 range classify?
The range classifies contact with rodent. 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.
