2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W20Struck by thrown, projected or falling object

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W20

ICD-10-CM W20
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W20 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for struck by thrown, projected or falling object, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W20.0XXA, W20.0XXD, W20.0XXS, and W20.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W20
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
Short Description
Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
W20-W49
Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionW20-W49Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces
CategoryW20Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
This CodeW20Struck by thrown, projected or falling object

Specific Coding for Struck by thrown, projected or falling objectOverview

Non-specific codes like W20 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W20.0 for Struck by falling object in cave-in

  • W20.1 for Struck by object due to collapse of building

  • W20.8 for Other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W20: its own notes plus those printed at block W20-W49 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 W20 itself
  • falling object in machinery accident (W24, W28-W31)
  • falling object in transport accident (V01-V99)
  • object set in motion by explosion (W35-W40)
  • object set in motion by firearm (W32-W34)
  • struck by thrown sports equipment (W21.-)
From Block W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces applies to 510 codes
  • assault (X92-Y09)
  • contact or collision with animals or persons (W50-W64)
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)
  • intentional self-harm (X71-X83)

Code First

The underlying condition named in the note is sequenced before this code.

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 W20
Values for category W20 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 W20, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 3

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming W20: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • W13.9 Fall from, out of or through building, not otherwise specified
    collapse of a building or structure (W20.-)
  • W22.8 Striking against or struck by other objects
    struck by thrown, projected or falling object (W20.-)
  • W23 Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects
    injury caused by struck by thrown, projected or falling object (W20.-)

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 W20Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for struck by thrown, projected or falling object?

W20 is the ICD-10-CM category for struck by thrown, projected or falling object, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W20 (Struck by thrown, projected or falling object) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for struck by thrown, projected or falling object, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for struck by thrown, projected or falling object need a more specific code from this category, such as W20.0XXA, W20.0XXD, and W20.0XXS.

Can W20 be reported with W24?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on W20 lists "falling object in machinery accident (W24, W28-W31)". 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).

What is coded first with W20?

The Code First note reads: any associated: cataclysm (X34-X39); lightning strike (T75.00). When one of these applies, it is sequenced before W20.