W56.4
Non-Billable

Contact with shark

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Contact with shark?

ICD-10-CM W56.4 is the diagnosis code for Contact with shark. This code falls under the section "Exposure to animate mechanical forces" within Chapter 20 — External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for W56.4

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where W56.4 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 3 entries
W56.41Bitten by sharkBillableW56.42Struck by sharkBillableW56.49Other contact with sharkBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is W56.4 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, W56.4 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does W56.4 mean?

W56.4 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Contact with shark". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of W56.4?

The parent code of W56.4 is W56 ("Contact with nonvenomous marine animal"). W56.4 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is W56.4 in?

W56.4 is located in Section W50-W64 — "Exposure to animate mechanical forces" within Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of W56.4?

W56.4 has 3 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: W56.41, W56.42, W56.49.

When should I use W56.4?

Use W56.4 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Contact with shark" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Contact with shark?

The ICD-10-CM code for Contact with shark is W56.4.

Can W56.4 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, W56.4 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is W56.4 in?

W56.4 is in Chapter 20 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is W56.4 valid for 2026?

Yes, W56.4 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousW56.39Other contact with other marine mammalsNext →W56.41Bitten by shark
Code Details
W56.4
Contact with shark
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
20 — External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)
W50-W64 — Exposure to animate mechanical forces
2026 ICD-10-CM