W46 – Contact with hypodermic needle

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code W46

Code: W46 (claims format: W46)
Description: Contact with hypodermic needle
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 20. External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)
Block: W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Billable codes under W46

W46 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

W46.0 – Contact with hypodermic needleHeader (more codes below)
W46.1 – Contact with contaminated hypodermic needleHeader (more codes below)

7th character values

Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care (use placeholder X for empty positions).

Character	Meaning
`A`	initial encounter
`D`	subsequent encounter
`S`	sequela

Notes for W46

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W46

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block W20-W49

Excludes1 (not coded here):

assault (X92-Y09)
contact or collision with animals or persons (W50-W64)
exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)
intentional self-harm (X71-X83)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code W46?

W46 is the ICD-10-CM code for contact with hypodermic needle, in the block W20-W49 (Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces).

Is W46 a billable code?

No. W46 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.