2025 ICD-10-CM code W93
Exposure to excessive cold of man-made origin.
The ICD-10-CM code W93 can be further specified using fourth digits (e.g., W93.0 for contact with or inhalation of dry ice), indicating more detail on the incident.
Medical necessity is established by the direct causal link between the exposure to man-made excessive cold and the resultant injury or condition.This requires documentation supporting that the exposure occurred and resulted in the documented medical issue.
Clinicians should document the source of the cold exposure, the duration of exposure, and any resulting injuries or conditions.
- 20
- Accidents (V00-X58)Other external causes of accidental injury (W00-X58)Exposure to electric current, radiation and extreme ambient air temperature and pressure (W85-W99)
In simple words: This code signifies an injury or condition caused by exposure to extreme artificial cold, such as from dry ice, industrial freezers, or liquid nitrogen.
Exposure to excessive cold of man-made origin, including contact with or inhalation of dry ice, liquid air, hydrogen, nitrogen, or prolonged exposure in a deep-freeze unit.
Example 1: A worker in a frozen food processing plant develops frostbite after prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures in the freezer., A laboratory technician suffers burns from accidental contact with dry ice during an experiment., A patient experiences hypothermia after being trapped in a walk-in freezer for an extended period.
Documentation should clearly specify the source of the cold (e.g., dry ice, freezer unit), the circumstances of the exposure (e.g., accidental contact, prolonged exposure), and the resulting injury or condition.Signs and symptoms, along with treatment provided, should also be meticulously documented.
** Excludes exposure to natural cold (X31). Do not confuse this code (W93) with exposure to excessive natural cold (X31).
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Primary Care
- Place of Service:"Inpatient Hospital", "On Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital", "Emergency Room - Hospital", "Office", "Place of Employment - Worksite", "Independent Clinic", "Federally Qualified Health Center", "Outreach Site/Street"