2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W23Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W23

ICD-10-CM W23
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W23 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W23.0XXA, W23.0XXD, W23.0XXS, and W23.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W23
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects
Short Description
Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects
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
CategoryW23Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects
This CodeW23Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects

Specific Coding for Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objectsOverview

Non-specific codes like W23 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W23.0 for Caught, crushed, jammed, or pinched between moving objects

  • W23.1 for Caught, crushed, jammed, or pinched between stationary objects

  • W23.2 for Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched between a moving and stationary object

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W23: 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 W23 itself
  • injury caused by cutting or piercing instruments (W25-W27)
  • injury caused by firearms malfunction (W32.1, W33.1-, W34.1-)
  • injury caused by lifting and transmission devices (W24.-)
  • injury caused by machinery (W28-W31)
  • injury caused by nonpowered hand tools (W27.-)
  • injury caused by transport vehicle being used as a means of transportation (V01-V99)
  • injury caused by struck by thrown, projected or falling object (W20.-)
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)

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 W23
Values for category W23 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

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

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 W23Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects?

W23 is the ICD-10-CM category for caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W23 (Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects need a more specific code from this category, such as W23.0XXA, W23.0XXD, and W23.0XXS.

Can W23 be reported with W32.1?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note on W23 lists "injury caused by firearms malfunction (W32.1, W33.1-, W34.1-)". 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).