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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

W26.9XXAContact with unspecified sharp object(s), initial encounter

✓ Billable / specificPOA exemptRequires 7th character

W26.9XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for contact with unspecified sharp object(s), initial encounter. It can be reported on claims for dates of service from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.

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 W26.9XXA

W26.9XXA is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for contact with unspecified sharp object(s), initial encounter. It belongs to category W26 (contact with other sharp objects), block W20-W49 (exposure to inanimate mechanical forces) and chapter 20 (external causes of morbidity). It is billable, so it can be reported on its own for dates of service from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

The 7th character "A" means initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition.

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

It is exempt from present-on-admission (POA) reporting, so no POA indicator is required.

It was added in FY2017, effective October 1, 2016.

Before ICD-10, this condition was coded in ICD-9-CM as E920.8 (accidents caused by other specified cutting and piercing instruments or objects).

7th character

Ainitial encounter

Other encounter types for W26.9:

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W26.9XXA.

› From W26 Contact with other sharp objects
Excludes2
  • sharp object(s) embedded in skin (W45.-)

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

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • E920.8Accidents caused by other specified cutting and piercing instruments or objectsapproximate

From the CMS 2018 General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), the final GEMs release.

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2017 (effective 10/1/2016): Added
  • No changes since FY2017.

Common questions about W26.9XXA

Is W26.9XXA billable?

Yes. W26.9XXA is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).

What does the "A" at the end of W26.9XXA mean?

It is the 7th character for initial encounter. Per the official guidelines, use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for the condition.

Can W26.9XXA be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict W26.9XXA as a principal diagnosis.

Is W26.9XXA a CC or MCC?

No. W26.9XXA is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.

What is the ICD-9 code for W26.9XXA?

The CMS General Equivalence Mappings map W26.9XXA to ICD-9-CM E920.8.