W74 – Unspecified cause of accidental drowning and submersion

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

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code W74

Code: W74 (claims format: W74)
Description: Unspecified cause of accidental drowning and submersion
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 W74

W74 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).

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

Notes for W74

Applicable to:

Drowning NOS

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to code W74

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 W74?

W74 is the ICD-10-CM code for unspecified cause of accidental drowning and submersion, in the block W65-W74 (Accidental non-transport drowning and submersion).

Is W74 a billable code?

No. W74 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.