Exposure to noise (W42) ICD-10-CM
The W42 code range covers exposure to noise with 9 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 6 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, 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 W42
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 W42 Range 9 codes · 6 billable
- W42 Exposure to noiseNon-billable
- W42.0 Exposure to supersonic wavesNon-billable
- W42.0XXA Exposure to supersonic waves, initial encounter
- W42.0XXD Exposure to supersonic waves, subsequent encounter
- W42.0XXS Exposure to supersonic waves, sequela
- W42.9 Exposure to other noiseNon-billable
- W42.9XXA Exposure to other noise, initial encounter
- W42.9XXD Exposure to other noise, subsequent encounter
- W42.9XXS Exposure to other noise, sequela
About the W42 Code Range
Exposure to noise appears here as an external cause within the group for inanimate mechanical forces.
W42.0 identifies exposure to supersonic waves, while W42.9 identifies exposure to other noise. Each subdivision has a seventh character for an initial encounter (A), subsequent encounter (D), or sequela (S), a later effect.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W42 range?
Of the 9 codes in this range, 6 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the W42 range classify?
The range classifies exposure to noise. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
