icd10free.comPowered by Curo
W20Non-billableSave

W20 - Struck by thrown, projected or falling object

ICD-10-CM Chapter 20: External causes of morbidity · W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49) · Top-level category · FY2027

Coding Guidance

W20 is a non-billable heading. Report one of the 3 more specific codes below.

7th Character

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W20

  • Ainitial encounter
  • Dsubsequent encounter
  • Ssequela

Includes, Excludes and Coding Notes

Excludes 1 — Not Coded HereFrom W20

Mutually exclusive: these conditions are never reported together with this code.

  • falling object in machinery accident (W24, W28-W31)
  • falling object in transport accident (V01-V99)
  • object set in motion by explosion (W35-W40)
  • object set in motion by firearm (W32-W34)
  • struck by thrown sports equipment (W21.-)
Code FirstFrom W20

Sequence the underlying condition before this code.

  • any associated:
  • cataclysm (X34-X39)
  • lightning strike (T75.00)
Excludes 1 — Not Coded HereFrom W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)

Mutually exclusive: these conditions are never reported together with this code.

  • assault (X92-Y09)
  • contact or collision with animals or persons (W50-W64)
  • exposure to inanimate mechanical forces involving military or war operations (Y36.-, Y37.-)
  • intentional self-harm (X71-X83)
NotesFrom Chapter V00-Y99

Instructional notes from the ICD-10-CM tabular list.

  • This chapter permits the classification of environmental events and circumstances as the cause of injury, and other adverse effects. Where a code from this section is applicable, it is intended that it shall be used secondary to a code from another chapter of the Classification indicating the nature of the condition. Most often, the condition will be classifiable to Chapter 19, Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88). Other conditions that may be stated to be due to external causes are classified in Chapters I to XVIII. For these conditions, codes from Chapter 20 should be used to provide additional information as to the cause of the condition.

More Specific Codes (3)

W20.0Struck by falling object in cave-in→W20.1Struck by object due to collapse of building→W20.8Other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object→

Related condition guides

Documentation requirements, coding pitfalls and FAQs for conditions coded with W20.