2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W10Fall on and from stairs and steps

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W00-W19›W10

ICD-10-CM W10
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W10 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for fall on and from stairs and steps, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W10.0XXA, W10.0XXD, W10.0XXS, and W10.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W10
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Fall on and from stairs and steps
Short Description
Fall on and from stairs and steps
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
W00-W19
Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionW00-W19Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls
CategoryW10Fall on and from stairs and steps
This CodeW10Fall on and from stairs and steps

Specific Coding for Fall on and from stairs and stepsOverview

Non-specific codes like W10 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W10.0 for Fall (on)(from) escalator

  • W10.1 for Fall (on)(from) sidewalk curb

  • W10.2 for Fall (on)(from) incline

  • W10.8 for Fall (on) (from) other stairs and steps

  • W10.9 for Fall (on) (from) unspecified stairs and steps

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W10: its own notes plus those printed at block W00-W19 and Chapter 20. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

On W10 itself
  • Fall from stairs and steps due to ice and snow (W00.1)
From Block W00-W19 Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls applies to 330 codes
  • assault involving a fall (Y01-Y02)
  • fall from animal (V80.-)
  • fall (in) (from) machinery (in operation) (W28-W31)
  • fall (in) (from) transport vehicle (V01-V99)
  • intentional self-harm involving a fall (X80-X81)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Block W00-W19 Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls applies to 330 codes
  • at risk for fall (history of fall) Z91.81
  • fall (in) (from) burning building (X00.-)
  • fall into fire (X00-X04, X08)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 20 (V00-Y99) External causes of morbidity and mortality applies to 7,461 codes
  • This chapter permits the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, and other adverse effects. Where a code from this section is applicable, it is intended that it shall be used secondary to a code from another chapter of the Classification indicating the nature of the condition. Most often, the condition will be classifiable to Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). Other conditions that may be stated to be due to external causes are classified in Chapters I to XVIII. For these conditions, codes from Chapter 20 should be used to provide additional information as to the cause of the condition.

7th Character

Every code in the category takes a 7th character from the listed values, with the placeholder X filling any empty positions before it.

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W10
Values for category W10 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name W10, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming W10: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • W00 Fall due to ice and snow
    fall from stairs and steps not due to ice and snow (W10.-)

Patient EducationClinical

Falls

Falls can be dangerous at any age. Babies and young children can get hurt falling off furniture or down the stairs. Older children may fall off playground equipment. For older adults, falls can be especially serious. They are at higher risk of falling.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About W10Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for fall on and from stairs and steps?

W10 is the ICD-10-CM category for fall on and from stairs and steps, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W10 (Fall on and from stairs and steps) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for fall on and from stairs and steps, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for fall on and from stairs and steps need a more specific code from this category, such as W10.0XXA, W10.0XXD, and W10.0XXS.

Can W10 be reported with W00.1?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on W10 lists "Fall from stairs and steps due to ice and snow (W00.1)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).