W20
Struck by thrown, projected or falling object
W20 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code category for struck by thrown, projected or falling object. Report a more specific code from it instead. It is part of the FY2027 code set, effective October 1, 2026. The more specific codes under it are W20.0 Struck by falling object in cave-in; W20.1 Struck by object due to collapse of building and W20.8 Other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object. Its coding notes include a Code first instruction and 9 Excludes1 entries.
7th characters
Every code below needs one of these.
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W20
- Ainitial encounter
- Dsubsequent encounter
- Ssequela
Guidelines tip
From the FY2027 Official Guidelines. ICD10Ref adds no rules of its own.
An external cause code is never a principal or first-listed diagnosis. Its 7th character is assigned for each encounter and should match the injury or condition code.
Code first
If the underlying condition listed here is present and known, sequence it first.
- any associated:
- cataclysm (X34-X39)
- lightning strike (T75.00)
Excludes1
Not coded here. The listed conditions generally should not be reported together.
Notes
Also from chapter/block level (1 note)
- 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.