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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

W49.02XAString or thread causing external constriction, initial encounter

✓ Billable / specificRequires 7th character

W49.02XA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for string or thread causing external constriction, initial encounter. It can be reported on claims for dates of service from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.Short description: String or thread causing external constriction, init encntr

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 W49.02XA

W49.02XA is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for string or thread causing external constriction, initial encounter. It belongs to category W49 (exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces), block W20-W49 (exposure to inanimate mechanical forces) and chapter 20 (external causes of morbidity). It is billable, so it can be reported on its own for dates of service from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

The 7th character "A" means initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition.

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

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

Before ICD-10, this condition was coded in ICD-9-CM as E928.5 (external constriction caused by other object).

7th character

Ainitial encounter

Other encounter types for W49.02:

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W49.02XA.

› From W49 Exposure to other inanimate mechanical forces
Includes
  • exposure to abnormal gravitational [G] forces
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces NEC
Excludes1
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)

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

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • E928.5External constriction caused by other objectapproximate

From the CMS 2018 General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), the final GEMs release.

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 W49.02XA

Is W49.02XA billable?

Yes. W49.02XA is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

What does the "A" at the end of W49.02XA mean?

It is the 7th character for initial encounter. Per the official guidelines, use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition.

Can W49.02XA be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict W49.02XA as a principal diagnosis.

Is W49.02XA a CC or MCC?

No. W49.02XA is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.

What is the ICD-9 code for W49.02XA?

The CMS General Equivalence Mappings map W49.02XA to ICD-9-CM E928.5.