2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code X78Intentional self-harm by sharp object

ICD-10-CM Codes›V01–Y99›X71-X83›X78

ICD-10-CM X78
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

X78 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for intentional self-harm by sharp object, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as X78.0XXA, X78.0XXD, X78.0XXS, and X78.1XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
X78
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Intentional self-harm by sharp object
Short Description
Intentional self-harm by sharp object
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
X71-X83
Intentional self-harm

Code Classification

ChapterV01–Y99External causes of morbidity and mortality
SectionX71-X83Intentional self-harm
CategoryX78Intentional self-harm by sharp object
This CodeX78Intentional self-harm by sharp object

Specific Coding for Intentional self-harm by sharp objectOverview

Non-specific codes like X78 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • X78.0 for Intentional self-harm by sharp glass

  • X78.1 for Intentional self-harm by knife

  • X78.2 for Intentional self-harm by sword or dagger

  • X78.8 for Intentional self-harm by other sharp object

  • X78.9 for Intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to X78: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 20. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

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 X78
Values for category X78 Encounter: Initial, Subsequent, Sequela
  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Patient EducationClinical

Self-Harm

Self-harm, or self-injury, is when a person hurts his or her own body on purpose. The injuries may be minor, but sometimes they can be severe. They may leave permanent scars or cause serious health problems. Some examples are:

The full article covers:

  • What is self-harm?
  • Why do people harm themselves?
  • Who is at risk for self-harm?
  • What are the signs of self-harm?
  • How can I help someone who self-harms?
  • What are the treatments are for self-harm?

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 X78Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for intentional self-harm by sharp object?

X78 is the ICD-10-CM category for intentional self-harm by sharp object, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is X78 (Intentional self-harm by sharp object) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for intentional self-harm by sharp object, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for intentional self-harm by sharp object need a more specific code from this category, such as X78.0XXA, X78.0XXD, and X78.0XXS.