Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces (W49) ICD-10-CM
The W49 code range covers exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces with 26 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 18 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, 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.
- exposure to abnormal gravitational [G] forces
- exposure to inanimate mechanical forces NEC
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.
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 W49
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 W49 Range 26 codes · 18 billable
- W49 Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forcesNon-billable
- W49.0 Item causing external constrictionNon-billable
- W49.01 Hair causing external constrictionNon-billable
- W49.01XA Hair causing external constriction, initial encounter
- W49.01XD Hair causing external constriction, subsequent encounter
- W49.01XS Hair causing external constriction, sequela
- W49.02 String or thread causing external constrictionNon-billable
- W49.02XA String or thread causing external constriction, initial encounter
- W49.02XD String or thread causing external constriction, subsequent encounter
- W49.02XS String or thread causing external constriction, sequela
- W49.03 Rubber band causing external constrictionNon-billable
- W49.03XA Rubber band causing external constriction, initial encounter
- W49.03XD Rubber band causing external constriction, subsequent encounter
- W49.03XS Rubber band causing external constriction, sequela
- W49.04 Ring or other jewelry causing external constrictionNon-billable
- W49.04XA Ring or other jewelry causing external constriction, initial encounter
- W49.04XD Ring or other jewelry causing external constriction, subsequent encounter
- W49.04XS Ring or other jewelry causing external constriction, sequela
- W49.09 Other specified item causing external constrictionNon-billable
- W49.09XA Other specified item causing external constriction, initial encounter
- W49.09XD Other specified item causing external constriction, subsequent encounter
- W49.09XS Other specified item causing external constriction, sequela
- W49.9 Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forcesNon-billable
- W49.9XXA Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces, initial encounter
- W49.9XXD Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces, subsequent encounter
- W49.9XXS Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces, sequela
About the W49 Code Range
These codes describe exposure to physical forces from nonliving objects, including items that cause external constriction.
W49.0 identifies the constricting item as hair, string or thread, a rubber band, jewelry, or another specified item. W49.9 describes exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces.
The final character of each encounter-specific code distinguishes an initial encounter, a subsequent encounter, or a sequela, meaning a later effect.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W49 range?
Of the 26 codes in this range, 18 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 W49 range classify?
The range classifies exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces. 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.
