Foreign body or object entering through skin (W45) ICD-10-CM
The W45 code range covers foreign body or object entering through skin with 13 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 9 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- foreign body or object embedded in skin
- nail embedded in skin
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.
- 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
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 W45
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 W45 Range 13 codes · 9 billable
- W45 Foreign body or object entering through skinNon-billable
- W45.0 Nail entering through skinNon-billable
- W45.0XXA Nail entering through skin, initial encounter
- W45.0XXD Nail entering through skin, subsequent encounter
- W45.0XXS Nail entering through skin, sequela
- W45.3 Fishing hook entering through skinNon-billable
- W45.3XXA Fishing hook entering through skin, initial encounter
- W45.3XXD Fishing hook entering through skin, subsequent encounter
- W45.3XXS Fishing hook entering through skin, sequela
- W45.8 Other foreign body or object entering through skinNon-billable
- W45.8XXA Other foreign body or object entering through skin, initial encounter
- W45.8XXD Other foreign body or object entering through skin, subsequent encounter
- W45.8XXS Other foreign body or object entering through skin, sequela
About the W45 Code Range
A nail, fishing hook, or another object enters the skin in these external-cause codes.
W45 separates nails under W45.0, fishing hooks under W45.3, and other objects under W45.8. The final character marks an initial encounter (A), a subsequent encounter (D), or a later effect, called a sequela (S).
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the W45 range?
Of the 13 codes in this range, 9 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the W45 range classify?
The range classifies foreign body or object entering through skin. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
