ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

W26Contact with other sharp objects

Not billable — use a more specific code

W26 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 5 more specific codes beneath it.

Code last changed in FY2017 (effective October 1, 2016). Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About W26

W26 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for contact with other sharp objects. It belongs to block W20-W49 (exposure to inanimate mechanical forces) and chapter 20 (external causes of morbidity). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 5 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: W26.0 (knife), W26.1 (dagger), W26.2 (paper), W26.8 (classified) and W26.9 (object(s)).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of W26, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: sharp object(s) embedded in skin (W45.-).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015, and changed in FY2017 (title revised).

Specific codes under W26

Coding notes

Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist

sharp object(s) embedded in skin (W45.-)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W26.

Broader instructions also apply from W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces and Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity.

Codes whose notes reference W26

W44Excludes2
W45Excludes2

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
FY2017 (effective 10/1/2016): Title revised — was “Contact with knife, sword or dagger”

Common questions about W26

Is W26 billable?: No. W26 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.