ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code
W38.XXXAExplosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices, initial encounter
W38.XXXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices, initial encounter. It can be reported on claims for dates of service from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.Short description: Explosion and rupture of oth pressurized devices, init
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 W38.XXXA
W38.XXXA is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices, initial encounter. It belongs to category W38 (explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices), 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 is exempt from present-on-admission (POA) reporting, so no POA indicator is required.
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 E921.8 (accident caused by explosion of other specified pressure vessels).
7th character
Ainitial encounter
Other encounter types for W38:
Notes that apply from higher levels
Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W38.XXXA.
Broader instructions also apply from W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces and Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity.
ICD-9-CM equivalent
Converter →- E921.8Accident caused by explosion of other specified pressure vesselsapproximate
From the CMS 2018 General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), the final GEMs release.
Code history
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
- 2027
- FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
- No changes since FY2016.
Common questions about W38.XXXA
Is W38.XXXA billable?
- Yes. W38.XXXA 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 W38.XXXA 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 W38.XXXA be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict W38.XXXA as a principal diagnosis.
Is W38.XXXA a CC or MCC?
- No. W38.XXXA is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.
What is the ICD-9 code for W38.XXXA?
- The CMS General Equivalence Mappings map W38.XXXA to ICD-9-CM E921.8.