2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W26Contact with other sharp objects
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
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Contact with other sharp objectsOverview
Non-specific codes like W26 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Type 2 Excludes
- sharp objects embedded in skin W45
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W26
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
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 W26Overview
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.
