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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

W32Accidental handgun discharge and malfunction

Not billable — use a more specific code

W32 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 2 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About W32

W32 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for accidental handgun discharge and malfunction. It belongs to block W20-W49 (exposure to inanimate mechanical forces) and chapter 20 (external causes of morbidity). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 2 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: W32.0 (discharge) and W32.1 (malfunction).

Don't report W32 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: accidental airgun discharge and malfunction (W34.010, W34.110), accidental BB gun discharge and malfunction (W34.010, W34.110), accidental pellet gun discharge and malfunction (W34.010, W34.110), accidental shotgun discharge and malfunction (W33.01, W33.11) and 5 more.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under W32

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category
  • accidental discharge and malfunction of gun for single hand use
  • accidental discharge and malfunction of pistol
  • accidental discharge and malfunction of revolver
  • Handgun discharge and malfunction NOS
Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • accidental airgun discharge and malfunction (W34.010, W34.110)
  • accidental BB gun discharge and malfunction (W34.010, W34.110)
  • accidental pellet gun discharge and malfunction (W34.010, W34.110)
  • accidental shotgun discharge and malfunction (W33.01, W33.11)
  • assault by handgun discharge (X93)
  • handgun discharge involving legal intervention (Y35.0-)
  • handgun discharge involving military or war operations (Y36.4-)
  • intentional self-harm by handgun discharge (X72)
  • Very pistol discharge and malfunction (W34.09, W34.19)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W32.

Broader instructions also apply from W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces and Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity.

Codes whose notes reference W32

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about W32

Is W32 billable?

No. W32 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.