Fall from cliff (W15) ICD-10-CM
The W15 code range covers fall from cliff 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.
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 W15
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 W15 Range 4 codes · 3 billable
About the W15 Code Range
The ICD-10 code W15 specifically identifies injuries resulting from a fall from a cliff. This code and its extensions capture the circumstances and timing of such injuries for accurate medical recordkeeping and billing.
W15 and its detailed codes, including W15.XXXA for initial encounter, W15.XXXD for subsequent encounter, and W15.XXXS for sequela, are used to classify injuries caused by falls from natural geographic features like cliffs or mountains. These codes cover various synonyms like “fall from geological formation” or “injury due to fall from height,” helping medical coders link commonly used terms to this specific external cause. Using the correct variant of the ICD-10 code for fall from cliff helps healthcare providers document the injury timeline and type of care, whether it is the first treatment, follow-up care, or complications arising later (sequela). This allows for clear tracking and communication about injuries caused by climbing, hiking, or other activities involving rocky terrains.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W15 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 W15 range classify?
The range classifies fall from cliff. 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.
