2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W45Foreign body or object entering through skin

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›W20-W49›W45

ICD-10-CM W45
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

W45 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for foreign body or object entering through skin, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as W45.0XXA, W45.0XXD, W45.0XXS, and W45.3XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
W45
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Foreign body or object entering through skin
Short Description
Foreign body or object entering through skin
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
CategoryW45Foreign body or object entering through skin
This CodeW45Foreign body or object entering through skin

Specific Coding for Foreign body or object entering through skinOverview

Non-specific codes like W45 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • W45.0 for Nail entering through skin

  • W45.3 for Fishing hook entering through skin

  • W45.8 for Other foreign body or object entering through skin

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to W45: 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.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • foreign body or object embedded in skin
  • nail embedded in skin

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.

  • contact with hand tools (nonpowered) (powered) (W27-W29)
  • contact with other sharp object(s) (W26.-)
  • contact with sharp glass (W25.-)
  • struck by objects (W20-W22)

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 W45
Values for category W45 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 W45, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 3

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming W45: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • W25 Contact with sharp glass
    glass embedded in skin (W45.-)
  • W26 Contact with other sharp objects
    sharp object(s) embedded in skin (W45.-)
  • W44 Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice
    foreign body or object entering through skin (W45)

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index; each main term links to its index entry.

Patient EducationClinical

Foreign Bodies

If you've ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you've had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn't supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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 W45Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for foreign body or object entering through skin?

W45 is the ICD-10-CM category for foreign body or object entering through skin, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is W45 (Foreign body or object entering through skin) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for foreign body or object entering through skin, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for foreign body or object entering through skin need a more specific code from this category, such as W45.0XXA, W45.0XXD, and W45.0XXS.

Can W45 be reported with a code from Y36?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at block W20-W49, which applies to W45, 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).