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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

W45.3Fishing hook entering through skin

Not billable — use a more specific codeRequires 7th character

W45.3 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 more specific codes beneath it and add the required 7th character.

Code last changed in FY2026 (effective October 1, 2025). Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About W45.3

W45.3 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for fishing hook entering through skin. It belongs to category W45 (foreign body or object entering through skin), 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 3 subcodes must be used instead.

Within W45 (foreign body or object entering through skin), W45.3 is specifically for fishing hook entering through skin. Related codes cover nail entering through skin (W45.0) and other foreign body or object entering through skin (W45.8).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

It was added in FY2026, effective October 1, 2025.

7th character

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W45

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to W45.3.

› From W45 Foreign body or object entering through skin
Includes
  • foreign body or object embedded in skin
  • nail embedded in skin
Excludes2
  • contact with hand tools (nonpowered) (powered) (W27-W29)
  • contact with other sharp object(s) (W26.-)
  • contact with sharp glass (W25.-)
  • struck by objects (W20-W22)

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

Alphabetic index entries

2 entries

Terms in the official ICD-10-CM index that lead to W45.3.

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
  • FY2026 (effective 10/1/2025): Added
  • No changes since FY2026.

Common questions about W45.3

Is W45.3 billable?

No. W45.3 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.