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  5. Intentional self-harm by sharp object (X78)

Intentional self-harm by sharp object (X78)

The ICD-10 code X78 and its extensions classify incidents of intentional self-harm using sharp objects, including specific types like glass, knives, swords, or other sharp items. These codes capture the nature and timing of injuries, distinguishing initial, subsequent, and sequela encounters for precise medical documentation.

These codes are essential for defining cases where self-inflicted injuries occur by means such as cutting or stabbing. For example, X78.9 and its related codes specifically address self-harm by unspecified sharp objects, a category that includes common terms like "cutting own wrists," "self-inflicted lacerations," and "suicide attempt by cutting or stabbing." Medical coders use these codes to accurately record and track such injuries, which help healthcare providers understand both the cause and treatment phase; whether it's the initial event, follow-up care, or long-term effects. Recognizing the nuances between types of sharp objects and stages of care supports clear communication in clinical and billing contexts, making the ICD-10 code for intentional self-harm by sharp object vital in hospital and emergency settings.

  • External causes of morbidity and mortality (V01–Y99)

    • Intentional self-harm (X71-X83)

        • Intentional self-harm by sharp object (X78)

        • X78 Intentional self-harm by sharp object
        • X78.0 Intentional self-harm by sharp glass
        • X78.0XXA Intentional self-harm by sharp glass, initial encounter
        • X78.0XXD Intentional self-harm by sharp glass, subsequent encounter
        • X78.0XXS Intentional self-harm by sharp glass, sequela
        • X78.1 Intentional self-harm by knife
        • X78.1XXA Intentional self-harm by knife, initial encounter
        • X78.1XXD Intentional self-harm by knife, subsequent encounter
        • X78.1XXS Intentional self-harm by knife, sequela
        • X78.2 Intentional self-harm by sword or dagger
        • X78.2XXA Intentional self-harm by sword or dagger, initial encounter
        • X78.2XXD Intentional self-harm by sword or dagger, subsequent encounter
        • X78.2XXS Intentional self-harm by sword or dagger, sequela
        • X78.8 Intentional self-harm by other sharp object
        • X78.8XXA Intentional self-harm by other sharp object, initial encounter
        • X78.8XXD Intentional self-harm by other sharp object, subsequent encounter
        • X78.8XXS Intentional self-harm by other sharp object, sequela
        • X78.9 Intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object
        • X78.9XXA Intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object, initial encounter
        • X78.9XXD Intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object, subsequent encounter
        • X78.9XXS Intentional self-harm by unspecified sharp object, sequela

Instructional Notations

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 X78

7th Character

Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela