W55.03XA — Scratched by cat, initial encounter
Is W55.03XA billable?
Yes — W55.03XA is billable for FY2027. W55.03XA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. W55.03XA may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
W55.03XA at a glance
| Code | W55.03XA |
|---|---|
| Description | Scratched by cat, initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in W55.03XA?
In W55.03XA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for W55.03XA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
How is W55.03XA listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under W55.03, the nearest indexed parent of W55.03XA. This is a separate index from the Alphabetic Index and is where external cause codes are looked up.
- Cat › scratch
- Scratched by › cat
- Contact › with › cat › scratch (accidental)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from W50-W64
The conditions below can never be reported together with W55.03XA on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- Toxic effect of contact with venomous animals and plants (T63.-)
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from W55
The conditions below can never be reported together with W55.03XA 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 W55.03XA existed?
W55.03XA 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.