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W26.2XXS vs W45

W26.2XXS (Contact with edge of stiff paper, sequela) compared with W45 (Foreign body or object entering through skin), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).

Can these codes be reported together?

Yes, when both are documented. W26.2XXS carries an Excludes2 note covering W45: “sharp object(s) embedded in skin (W45.-)”

Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.

Yes, when both are documented. W45 carries an Excludes2 note covering W26.2XXS: “contact with other sharp object(s) (W26.-)”

Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.

Side by side

W26.2XXSContact with edge of stiff paper, sequelaW45Foreign body or object entering through skin
Billing statusBillableNon-billable header

Report instead: W45.0XXA, W45.0XXD, W45.0XXS, W45.3XXA, W45.3XXD

ClassificationV00-Y99 — External Causes of Morbidity (V00-Y99)V00-Y99 — External Causes of Morbidity (V00-Y99)
DefinitionContact with edge of stiff paper, sequela is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (W26.2S).Foreign body or object entering through skin is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (W45).
7th characterThe appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W26The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W45
Includes
Paper cut
foreign body or object embedded in skin
nail embedded in skin

Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources