Question 1

Is W21 a billable ICD-10 code?

Accepted Answer

No, W21 is not a billable code. It is a category code that requires additional specificity. You must select a more specific code from the subcategories for billing purposes.

Question 2

What does ICD-10 code W21 mean?

Accepted Answer

ICD-10-CM code W21 represents Striking against or struck by sports equipment. This code is part of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification used for medical coding and billing in the United States.

Question 3

When was ICD-10 code W21 introduced?

Accepted Answer

Code W21 has been part of ICD-10-CM since 2016, when the coding system was mandated for use in the United States. This code was included in the original US implementation.

Question 4

What is the parent category for ICD-10 code W21?

Accepted Answer

The parent category for W21 is section:W20-W49 (Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)). This hierarchical classification helps organize related diagnoses for more accurate coding.

Question 5

What conditions are excluded from W21?

Accepted Answer

Code W21 has Type 1 Excludes (mutually exclusive conditions) including: assault with sports equipment (Y08.0-); striking against or struck by sports equipment with subsequent fall (W18.01). These conditions cannot be coded together with W21 as they represent different diagnoses.

Question 6

Does W21 require a 7th character extension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, W21 requires a 7th character to specify the encounter type. Available extensions include: A (initial encounter), D (subsequent encounter), S (sequela). Use "X" as a placeholder to fill empty positions before the 7th character (e.g., W21XXA for initial encounter). The extension indicates whether this is an initial visit, follow-up, or treatment for a late effect.

W212026

Excludes16Not coded together

Notes1Additional information

7th Character Extensions3Encounter type specifiers