Exposure to ionizing radiation (W88)
The ICD-10 code section W88 covers medical coding for exposure to ionizing radiation, including types such as X-rays, radioactive isotopes, and other ionizing radiation. These codes specify the nature and timing of the exposure, such as initial encounters, subsequent encounters, or late effects (sequela).
This section helps medical coders accurately classify incidents where patients are exposed to ionizing radiation sources. For example, the ICD-10 code for exposure to X-rays (W88.0XXA) links to conditions commonly known as overexposure to medical diagnostic radiation or X-ray exposure accident. Similarly, W88.1XXA denotes exposure to radioactive isotopes, which may include overexposure to gamma rays or radiation from diagnostic isotopes, commonly described as radioactive isotope accidents. The category for other ionizing radiation, W88.8, covers a wide range of radiation sources including cosmic rays, industrial radiation, and radiation injuries from nuclear events, with synonyms referencing many specific radiation-induced conditions such as acute radiation syndrome and radiation pneumonitis. These distinctions enable precise documentation of radiation-related injuries or conditions for clinical, legal, and epidemiological uses.
External causes of morbidity and mortality (V01–Y99)
Exposure to electric current, radiation and extreme ambient air temperature and pressure (W85-W99)
W88 Exposure to ionizing radiation
W88.0 Exposure to X-rays
- W88.0XXA Exposure to X-rays, initial encounter
- W88.0XXD Exposure to X-rays, subsequent encounter
- W88.0XXS Exposure to X-rays, sequela
W88.1 Exposure to radioactive isotopes
- W88.1XXA Exposure to radioactive isotopes, initial encounter
- W88.1XXD Exposure to radioactive isotopes, subsequent encounter
- W88.1XXS Exposure to radioactive isotopes, sequela
W88.8 Exposure to other ionizing radiation
- W88.8XXA Exposure to other ionizing radiation, initial encounter
- W88.8XXD Exposure to other ionizing radiation, subsequent encounter
- W88.8XXS Exposure to other ionizing radiation, sequela
Exposure to ionizing radiation (W88)
Instructional Notations
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- exposure to sunlight X32
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 W88
7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
Acute Radiation Syndrome
A condition caused by a brief whole body exposure to more than one sievert dose equivalent of radiation. Acute radiation syndrome is initially characterized by ANOREXIA; NAUSEA; VOMITING; but can progress to hematological, gastrointestinal, neurological, pulmonary, and other major organ dysfunction.
Radiation Pneumonitis
Inflammation of the lung due to harmful effects of ionizing or non-ionizing radiation.
Xerostomia
Decreased salivary flow.
