2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code X78.9XXA

Intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object, initial encounter

ICD-10-CM Code:
X78.9XXA
ICD-10 Code for:
Intentional self-harm by unsp sharp object, init encntr
Is Billable?
Yes - Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • External causes of morbidity and mortality
    (V01–Y99)
    • Intentional self-harm
      (X71-X83)
      • Intentional self-harm by sharp object
        (X78)

X78.9XXA is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object, initial encounter. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024.

X78.9XXA is an initial encounter code, includes a 7th character and should be used while the patient is receiving active treatment for a condition like intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object. According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines an "initial encounter" doesn't necessarily means "initial visit". The 7th character should be used when the patient is undergoing active treatment regardless if new or different providers saw the patient over the course of a treatment. The appropriate 7th character codes should also be used even if the patient delayed seeking treatment for a condition.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like X78.9XXA are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

  • Attempted suicide - cut/stab
  • Attempted suicide - cut/stab
  • Cutting own throat
  • Cutting own wrists
  • Cutting self
  • Deliberate self-cutting
  • Laceration of wrist
  • Self inflicted lacerations to wrist
  • Stabbing self
  • Suicide - cut/stab
  • Suicide attempt by cutting wrist

Clinical Classification

Clinical CategoryCCSR Category CodeInpatient Default CCSROutpatient Default CCSR
External cause codes: cut/pierce; initial encounterEXT001X - Not applicable.X - Not applicable.
External cause codes: intent of injury, self-harmEXT021X - Not applicable.X - Not applicable.
Suicidal ideation/attempt/intentional self-harmMBD012X - Not applicable.X - Not applicable.

Convert X78.9XXA to ICD-9-CM

  • ICD-9-CM Code: E956 - Injury-cut instrument
    Approximate Flag - The approximate mapping means there is not an exact match between the ICD-10 and ICD-9 codes and the mapped code is not a precise representation of the original code.

Patient Education


Wounds and Injuries

An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street.

Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissues. They include cuts, scrapes, scratches, and punctured skin. They often happen because of an accident, but surgery, sutures, and stitches also cause wounds. Minor wounds usually aren't serious, but it is important to clean them. Serious and infected wounds may require first aid followed by a visit to your doctor. You should also seek attention if the wound is deep, you cannot close it yourself, you cannot stop the bleeding or get the dirt out, or it does not heal.

Other common types of injuries include:

  • Animal bites
  • Bruises
  • Burns
  • Dislocations
  • Electrical injuries
  • Fractures (broken bones)
  • Sprains and strains

[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.