ICD-10-PCS Code For Head: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group 2W60 includes procedures performed to apply traction to structures in the head. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when a pulling force is intentionally exerted on the head to reduce displacement, stabilize anatomy, or facilitate treatment. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS 2W60 group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the specific traction procedure performed and supports clinical documentation accuracy.

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Head Traction Procedure Overview

Procedures in this group involve exerting a pulling force on the head to apply traction to cranial structures and surrounding tissues. These procedures target the anatomical regions of the head and are coded in the Placement section of the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System. Accurate coding ensures the inpatient record reflects the specific traction procedure performed and supports correct case mix assignment and payment.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
2	Section	Placement
W	Body System	Anatomical Regions
6	Operation	Traction
0	Body Part	Head

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Head: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Head Traction Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
2	Section	Placement
W	Body System	Anatomical Regions
6	Operation	Traction
0	Body Part	Head

When to Use

Use a code from this group when traction is intentionally applied to the head as part of an inpatient procedure to reduce displacement, maintain alignment, or assist in other therapies. Select the specific code that matches the placement details and clinical intent documented in the medical record.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

2 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
2W60X0Z	Traction of Head using Traction Apparatus
2W60XZZ	Traction of Head

Typical Clinical Scenarios

A middle-aged patient is admitted after a traumatic cervical spine injury with associated craniofacial displacement causing malalignment of the skull relative to the cervical spine. Inpatient care includes application of a skull traction apparatus to exert controlled distal pulling force on the head to realign cranial position and stabilize the craniovertebral junction while awaiting definitive surgical fixation. The procedure is performed using an external traction device specifically designed for head traction. Typical codes: 2W60X0Z
An elderly patient with chronic atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to rheumatoid arthritis is admitted for a planned inpatient reduction under monitored anesthesia. A traction apparatus is applied to the head to gradually restore alignment of the craniovertebral structures prior to a scheduled posterior fusion. The controlled placement of head traction is performed as part of the elective inpatient management strategy. Typical codes: 2W60X0Z
A postoperative patient develops progressive cranial malalignment after an attempted closed reduction, with persistent displacement despite prior measures; inpatient management requires repeated manual application of distal pulling force to the head to reattempt reduction without using an apparatus. This bedside placement of traction on the head is performed to correct displacement and avoid immediate return to the operating room. Typical codes: 2W60XZZ

Related Codes

2W61-FACE-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Face: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W62-NECK-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Neck: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W63-ABDOMINAL-WALL-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Abdominal Wall: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W64-CHEST-WALL-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Chest Wall: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W65-BACK-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Back: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W66-INGUINAL-REGION-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Inguinal Region, Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W67-INGUINAL-REGION-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Inguinal Region Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W68-UPPER-EXTREMITY-RIGHT-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Extremity Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W69-LEFT-UPPER-EXTREMITY-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Extremity, Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W6A-UPPER-ARM-RIGHT-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Arm Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

Showing 1–10 of 29

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

2 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
2W60X0Z	Traction of Head using Traction Apparatus
2W60XZZ	Traction of Head

Typical Clinical Scenarios

A middle-aged patient is admitted after a traumatic cervical spine injury with associated craniofacial displacement causing malalignment of the skull relative to the cervical spine. Inpatient care includes application of a skull traction apparatus to exert controlled distal pulling force on the head to realign cranial position and stabilize the craniovertebral junction while awaiting definitive surgical fixation. The procedure is performed using an external traction device specifically designed for head traction. Typical codes: 2W60X0Z
An elderly patient with chronic atlantoaxial subluxation secondary to rheumatoid arthritis is admitted for a planned inpatient reduction under monitored anesthesia. A traction apparatus is applied to the head to gradually restore alignment of the craniovertebral structures prior to a scheduled posterior fusion. The controlled placement of head traction is performed as part of the elective inpatient management strategy. Typical codes: 2W60X0Z
A postoperative patient develops progressive cranial malalignment after an attempted closed reduction, with persistent displacement despite prior measures; inpatient management requires repeated manual application of distal pulling force to the head to reattempt reduction without using an apparatus. This bedside placement of traction on the head is performed to correct displacement and avoid immediate return to the operating room. Typical codes: 2W60XZZ

Related Codes

2W61-FACE-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Face: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W62-NECK-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Neck: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W63-ABDOMINAL-WALL-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Abdominal Wall: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W64-CHEST-WALL-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Chest Wall: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W65-BACK-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Back: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W66-INGUINAL-REGION-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Inguinal Region, Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W67-INGUINAL-REGION-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Inguinal Region Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W68-UPPER-EXTREMITY-RIGHT-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Extremity Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W69-LEFT-UPPER-EXTREMITY-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Extremity, Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

2W6A-UPPER-ARM-RIGHT-TRACTION

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Arm Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

Showing 1–10 of 29

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

ICD-10-PCS Code For Head: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Head: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Head Traction Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Head: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Head: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Head Traction Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which procedures are included in ICD-10-PCS code group 2W60?

What is the ICD-10-PCS section and operation for these codes?

What body system and body part do the 2W60 codes target?

How does accurate coding of 2W60 codes affect inpatient documentation and payment?

Are there related DRGs listed for the 2W60 code group?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which procedures are included in ICD-10-PCS code group 2W60?

What is the ICD-10-PCS section and operation for these codes?

What body system and body part do the 2W60 codes target?

How does accurate coding of 2W60 codes affect inpatient documentation and payment?

Are there related DRGs listed for the 2W60 code group?

References