Contact with sharp glass (W25) ICD-10-CM
The W25 code range covers contact with sharp glass with 4 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 3 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
- any associated:
- injury due to flying glass from explosion or firearm discharge W32 W40
- transport accident V00 V99
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- fall on same level due to slipping, tripping and stumbling with subsequent striking against sharp glass W01.110
- striking against sharp glass with subsequent fall W18.02
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.
- glass 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 code W25
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 W25 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
About the W25 Code Range
The ICD-10 code W25 identifies injuries resulting from contact with sharp glass. It covers various stages of treatment and complications caused by sharp glass injuries.
This section includes specific codes distinguishing between the initial encounter (W25.XXXA), subsequent encounters (W25.XXXD), and sequela or late effects (W25.XXXS) of a penetrating injury caused by glass fragments. These codes help clarify situations such as accidents involving sharp-edged objects or glass pieces embedded in parts of the body like the upper arm, forearm, or lower leg. Including synonyms like “penetrating injury caused by glass fragment” and “accident caused by glass edge” assists medical coders and healthcare providers in accurately selecting the right ICD-10 code for contact with sharp glass, ensuring precise documentation of these accidental injuries from sharp glass contact.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W25 range?
Of the 4 codes in this range, 3 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 W25 range classify?
The range classifies contact with sharp glass. 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.
