2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W18Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W00-W19›W18

ICD-10-CM W18
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W18 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W18.00XA, W18.00XD, W18.00XS, and W18.01XA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W18
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls
Short Description
Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls
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
CategoryW18Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls
This CodeW18Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls

Specific Coding for Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and fallsOverview

Non-specific codes like W18 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W18.0 for Fall due to bumping against object

  • W18.00 for Striking against unspecified object with subsequent fall

  • W18.01 for Striking against sports equipment with subsequent fall

  • W18.02 for Striking against glass with subsequent fall

  • W18.09 for Striking against other object with subsequent fall

  • W18.1 for Fall from or off toilet

  • W18.11 for Fall from or off toilet without subsequent striking against object

  • W18.12 for Fall from or off toilet with subsequent striking against object

  • W18.2 for Fall in (into) shower or empty bathtub

  • W18.3 for Other and unspecified fall on same level

  • W18.30 for Fall on same level, unspecified

  • W18.31 for Fall on same level due to stepping on an object

  • W18.39 for Other fall on same level

  • W18.4 for Slipping, tripping and stumbling without falling

  • W18.40 for Slipping, tripping and stumbling without falling, unspecified

  • W18.41 for Slipping, tripping and stumbling without falling due to stepping on object

  • W18.42 for Slipping, tripping and stumbling without falling due to stepping into hole or opening

  • W18.43 for Slipping, tripping and stumbling without falling due to stepping from one level to another

  • W18.49 for Other slipping, tripping and stumbling without falling

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W18: 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.

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 W18
Values for category W18 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

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

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 W18Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls?

W18 is the ICD-10-CM category for other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W18 (Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls need a more specific code from this category, such as W18.00XA, W18.00XD, and W18.00XS.

Can W18 be reported with a code from V80?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at block W00-W19, which applies to W18, lists "fall from animal (V80.-)". 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).