W38.XXXA — Explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices, initial encounter
Is W38.XXXA billable?
Yes, but W38.XXXA is an unspecified code. W38.XXXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, W38.XXXA is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting W38.XXXA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
W38.XXXA at a glance
| Code | W38.XXXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Explosion and rupture of other specified pressurized devices, initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
How is W38.XXXA listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under W38, the nearest indexed parent of W38.XXXA. This is a separate index from the Alphabetic Index and is where external cause codes are looked up.
- Explosion › pressure, pressurized › cooker (accidental) (of) (with secondary fire)
- Explosion › pressure, pressurized › specified device NEC (accidental) (of) (with secondary fire)
- Explosion › pressure, pressurized › vessel (accidental) (of) (with secondary fire)
- Object › set in motion by › accidental explosion or rupture of pressure vessel
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from W20-W49
The conditions below can never be reported together with W38.XXXA on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
How long has W38.XXXA existed?
W38.XXXA has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.