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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

W44.F3XAFood entering into or through a natural orifice, initial encounter

✓ Billable / specificRequires 7th character

W44.F3XA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for food entering into or through a natural orifice, initial encounter. It can be reported on claims for dates of service from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.Short description: Food entering via natural orifice, initial encounter

Code last changed in FY2024 (effective October 1, 2023). Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About W44.F3XA

W44.F3XA is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for food entering into or through a natural orifice, initial encounter. It belongs to category W44 (foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice), 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 was added in FY2024, effective October 1, 2023.

7th character

Ainitial encounter

Other encounter types for W44.F3:

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W44.F3XA.

› From W44 Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice
Excludes2
  • contact with other sharp objects (W26)
  • contact with sharp glass (W25)
  • foreign body or object entering through skin (W45)

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

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
  • FY2024 (effective 10/1/2023): Added
  • No changes since FY2024.

Common questions about W44.F3XA

Is W44.F3XA billable?

Yes. W44.F3XA 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 W44.F3XA 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 W44.F3XA be used as a principal diagnosis?

Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict W44.F3XA as a principal diagnosis.

Is W44.F3XA a CC or MCC?

No. W44.F3XA is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.