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 2026, 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 New
- W45.3XXD Fishing hook entering through skin, subsequent encounter New
- W45.3XXS Fishing hook entering through skin, sequela New
- 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
The ICD-10 code W45 category is used to classify injuries caused by a foreign body or object entering through the skin. It includes specific codes such as W45.0 for nails and W45.8 for other types of foreign bodies or objects.
This section covers a range of puncture wounds and injuries caused by sharp objects like nails, splinters, and metal fragments. The code W45.0XXA specifies an initial encounter for a nail entering the skin, often referred to with synonyms such as "open wound of hand, dorsum," or "metal nail puncture wound." Other related codes like W45.8XXA address other foreign bodies penetrating the skin, including items such as metal fragments, wood splinters, or fishing hooks. These codes distinguish between initial, subsequent, and sequela encounters, which is helpful for medical coders managing patient care timelines. Understanding synonyms for injuries like "puncture wound of finger," "foreign body in skin," or "superficial puncture wound" aids accurate coding when searching for the ICD-10 code for foreign body entry injuries through the skin.
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, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 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 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
