All ICD10 Codes
W44Not billable, use a more specific code below

Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice

In Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49), chapter 20: External Causes of Morbidity

126 billable codes under W44: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

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Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • contact with other sharp objects (W26)
  • contact with sharp glass (W25)
  • foreign body or object entering through skin (W45)

Also applies, from Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces (W20-W49)

These notes sit on W20-W49 and apply to every code under it, including W44.

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different 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)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers how to report external cause codes (V00-Y99) describing cause, intent, place, activity, and status. They are never principal or first-listed, and reporting is voluntary unless required.

Read Section I.C.20 (page 87), 3 more topics

All codes under W44

W44 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

W44 MS-DRGs

This code does not group to an MS-DRG as a principal diagnosis.

Other codes that refer to W44

Notes on these codes point to W44.

  • T15-T19 Use Additional Code: code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Foreign Bodies

If you've ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you've had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn't supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body. Foreign bodies are more common in small children, who sometimes stick things in their mouths, ears, and noses.

Read more about foreign bodies on MedlinePlus

Code history

Added in FY2024 (effective October 1, 2023). No changes since.