2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code W45Foreign body or object entering through skin
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
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Foreign body or object entering through skinOverview
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- foreign body or object embedded in skin
- nail embedded in skin
Type 2 Excludes
- contact with hand tools nonpowered powered W27 W29
- contact with other sharp objects W26
- contact with sharp glass W25
- struck by objects W20 W22
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W45
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
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.
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
Questions About W45Overview
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.
