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  6. 2026 ICD-10-CM Code W44.H9XS

2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W44.H9XS

Other sharp object entering into or through a natural orifice, sequela

ICD-10-CM Code:
W44.H9XS
ICD-10 Code for:
Other sharp object entering via natural orifice, sequela
Is Billable?
Yes - Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

W44.H9XS is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of other sharp object entering into or through a natural orifice, sequela. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The code is exempt from present on admission (POA) reporting for inpatient admissions to general acute care hospitals.

W44.H9XS is a sequela code, includes a 7th character and should be used for complications that arise as a direct result of a condition like other sharp object entering into or through a natural orifice. According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines a "sequela" code should be used for chronic or residual conditions that are complications of an initial acute disease, illness or injury. The most common sequela is pain. Usually, two diagnosis codes are needed when reporting sequela. The first code describes the nature of the sequela while the second code describes the sequela or late effect.

Code Classification

  • External causes of morbidity and mortality
    V01–Y99
    • Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces
      W20-W49
      • Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice
        W44

New 2026 ICD-10-CM Code

W44.H9XS is new to ICD-10-CM code set for the FY 2026, effective October 1, 2025. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) has published an update to the ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes which became effective October 1, 2025. This is a new and revised code for the FY 2026 (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026).

Present on Admission (POA)

W44.H9XS is exempt from POA reporting - The Present on Admission (POA) indicator is used for diagnosis codes included in claims involving inpatient admissions to general acute care hospitals. POA indicators must be reported to CMS on each claim to facilitate the grouping of diagnoses codes into the proper Diagnostic Related Groups (DRG). CMS publishes a listing of specific diagnosis codes that are exempt from the POA reporting requirement. Review other POA exempt codes here.

CMS POA Indicator Options and Definitions

POA Indicator: Y

Reason: Diagnosis was present at time of inpatient admission.

CMS Pays CC/MCC DRG? YES

POA Indicator: N

Reason: Diagnosis was not present at time of inpatient admission.

CMS Pays CC/MCC DRG? NO

POA Indicator: U

Reason: Documentation insufficient to determine if the condition was present at the time of inpatient admission.

CMS Pays CC/MCC DRG? NO

POA Indicator: W

Reason: Clinically undetermined - unable to clinically determine whether the condition was present at the time of inpatient admission.

CMS Pays CC/MCC DRG? YES

POA Indicator: 1

Reason: Unreported/Not used - Exempt from POA reporting.

CMS Pays CC/MCC DRG? NO

Replacement Code

W44H9XS replaces the following previously assigned ICD-10-CM code(s):

  • T15 - Foreign body on external eye
  • T19 - Foreign body in genitourinary tract

Code History

  • FY 2026 - Code Added, effective from 10/1/2025 through 9/30/2026