2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W20Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
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
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Struck by thrown, projected or falling objectOverview
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Code First
Type 1 Excludes
- 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
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W20
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About W20Overview
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.
