Contact with other sharp objects (W26) ICD-10-CM
The W26 code range covers contact with other sharp objects with 21 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 15 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 2 Excludes
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.
- sharp objects embedded in skin W45
7th Character Note
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.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W26
7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Codes in the W26 Range 21 codes · 15 billable
- W26 Contact with other sharp objectsNon-billable
- W26.0 Contact with knifeNon-billable
- W26.0XXA Contact with knife, initial encounter
- W26.0XXD Contact with knife, subsequent encounter
- W26.0XXS Contact with knife, sequela
- W26.1 Contact with sword or daggerNon-billable
- W26.1XXA Contact with sword or dagger, initial encounter
- W26.1XXD Contact with sword or dagger, subsequent encounter
- W26.1XXS Contact with sword or dagger, sequela
- W26.2 Contact with edge of stiff paperNon-billable
- W26.2XXA Contact with edge of stiff paper, initial encounter
- W26.2XXD Contact with edge of stiff paper, subsequent encounter
- W26.2XXS Contact with edge of stiff paper, sequela
- W26.8 Contact with other sharp object(s), not elsewhere classifiedNon-billable
- W26.8XXA Contact with other sharp object(s), not elsewhere classified, initial encounter
- W26.8XXD Contact with other sharp object(s), not elsewhere classified, subsequent encounter
- W26.8XXS Contact with other sharp object(s), not elsewhere classified, sequela
- W26.9 Contact with unspecified sharp object(s)Non-billable
- W26.9XXA Contact with unspecified sharp object(s), initial encounter
- W26.9XXD Contact with unspecified sharp object(s), subsequent encounter
- W26.9XXS Contact with unspecified sharp object(s), sequela
About the W26 Code Range
The ICD-10 code section W26 covers injuries resulting from contact with sharp objects such as knives, swords, stiff paper edges, and other sharp items. These codes specify the type of sharp object involved and the phase of medical care, such as initial, subsequent, or sequela encounters.
This section is used to accurately classify and document injuries caused by sharp objects. For example, subcodes like W26.0XXA refer to initial encounters involving knives, which include common terms like "knife wound" or "penetrating injury by knife." Similarly, codes under W26.1 address injuries from swords or daggers, encompassing various synonyms such as "sword wound" and "injury due to edged weapon." Encounters related to stiff paper edges use W26.2XXA, often linked to "accidents caused by edge of stiff paper," while W26.8 captures injuries from other unclassified sharp objects like tin can lids. The unspecified category, W26.9, includes terms such as "stab wound" or "sharp force injury," covering situations where the exact sharp object isn't noted. These detailed codes assist medical coders and healthcare professionals in selecting the precise ICD-10 code for sharp object injury cases, improving record accuracy and clarity.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W26 range?
Of the 21 codes in this range, 15 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the W26 range classify?
The range classifies contact with other sharp objects. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
