MCMedicalCodingSoftware
W59.21XA

W59.21XA: Bitten by turtle, initial encounter

Billable / specific codeICD-10-CMPOA exempt

W59.21XA is a billable, specific ICD-10-CM code for bitten by turtle, initial encounter. It is valid for submission on a claim.

Check W59.21XA with the rest of the claim: free scrubber

7th character "A": initial encounter

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W59

A
initial encounter
D
subsequent encounter
S
sequela

Excludes1 inherited from the categories above W59.21XA

A category’s note binds every code beneath it.

Written on W59.2: Contact with turtles

  • contact with tortoises (W59.8-)

Written on W59: Contact with other nonvenomous reptiles

Risk adjustment

No CMS-HCC V28 category: this code does not change a RAF score.

Medicare coverage

W59.21XA is named in 2 Medicare coverage policies: 2 listing it as supporting medical necessity. Which one applies depends on your Medicare contractor.

  • A58872Billing and Coding: Tetanus Immunization
  • A58873Billing and Coding: Tetanus Immunization

Code history

Unchanged in every release from FY2024 to FY2027.

Other codes under W59.21

ICD-10-CMFY2027· effective October 1, 2026

Loaded directly from the CMS/NCHS ICD-10-CM public-domain release: see data sources and our editorial policy. If this page disagrees with the CMS tabular list, this page is wrong. Reference information for professional coders; not medical or billing advice.