2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W26Contact with other sharp objects

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W26

ICD-10-CM W26
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W26 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for contact with other sharp objects, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W26.0XXA, W26.0XXD, W26.0XXS, and W26.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W26
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Contact with other sharp objects
Short Description
Contact with other sharp 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
CategoryW26Contact with other sharp objects
This CodeW26Contact with other sharp objects

Specific Coding for Contact with other sharp objectsOverview

Non-specific codes like W26 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W26.0 for Contact with knife

  • W26.1 for Contact with sword or dagger

  • W26.2 for Contact with edge of stiff paper

  • W26.8 for Contact with other sharp object(s), not elsewhere classified

  • W26.9 for Contact with unspecified sharp object(s)

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W26: 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.

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)

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.

  • sharp object(s) embedded in skin (W45.-)

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 W26
Values for category W26 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 W26, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming W26: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • W23 Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects
    injury caused by cutting or piercing instruments (W25-W27) names W25-W27, which includes this code

Excludes2 2

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming W26: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • W44 Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice
    contact with other sharp objects (W26)
  • W45 Foreign body or object entering through skin
    contact with other sharp object(s) (W26.-)

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 W26Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for contact with other sharp objects?

W26 is the ICD-10-CM category for contact with other sharp objects, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W26 (Contact with other sharp objects) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for contact with other sharp objects, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for contact with other sharp objects need a more specific code from this category, such as W26.0XXA, W26.0XXD, and W26.0XXS.

Can W26 be reported with a code from Y36?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at block W20-W49, which applies to W26, lists "exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)". 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).