W69 – Accidental drowning and submersion while in natural water

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code W69
Code
W69 (claims format: W69)
Description
Accidental drowning and submersion while in natural water
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
W65-W74 Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion

Billable codes under W69

W69 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

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).

CharacterMeaning
Ainitial encounter
Dsubsequent encounter
Ssequela

Notes for W69

Applicable to:
  • Accidental drowning and submersion while in lake
  • Accidental drowning and submersion while in open sea
  • Accidental drowning and submersion while in river
  • Accidental drowning and submersion while in stream
Excludes1 (not coded here):
7th character note:
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code W69

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

Block W65-W74

Excludes1 (not coded here):
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to fall into water (W16.-)
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to water transport accident (V90.-, V92.-)
Excludes2 (not included here):
  • accidental drowning and submersion due to cataclysm (X34-X39)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code W69?

W69 is the ICD-10-CM code for accidental drowning and submersion while in natural water, in the block W65-W74 (Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion).

Is W69 a billable code?

No. W69 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.