W20.8

⚠ Non-billable (Header)

Other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object

External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)

⚠️ This is a category header code — not billable. Use a more specific child code below.

Check This Code

❌ Excludes1

direct

These codes are mutually exclusive. Never code them together.

• struck by thrown sports equipment (W21.-)

❌ Excludes1

inherited

Rules inherited from parent codes in the hierarchy.

W20

• 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 Instructions

inherited

W20

• Code first: any associated:
• Code first: cataclysm (X34-X39)
• Code first: lightning strike (T75.00)

Child Codes (3)

W20.8XXAOther cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object, initial encounter✓ Billable W20.8XXDOther cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object, subsequent encounter✓ Billable W20.8XXSOther cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object, sequela✓ Billable

Clinical Description

ICD-10-CM code W20.8 represents other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object. This code falls under the External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99) classification. It is a non-billable category header code. A more specific child code from the list below must be used for billing and reimbursement purposes.

This is a 5-character code at the 4th level of specificity. There are 3 more specific child codes under W20.8. Coders should note that W20.8 has 6 Excludes1 restriction(s) — codes that cannot be reported together on the same claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ICD-10 code W20.8?

ICD-10-CM code W20.8 is "Other cause of strike by thrown, projected or falling object". It belongs to the category: External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99).

Is W20.8 a billable ICD-10 code?

No, W20.8 is a non-billable header code. A more specific child code must be used for billing.

What codes are excluded with W20.8?

W20.8 has 6 Excludes1 rule(s). These codes are mutually exclusive and cannot be coded together on the same claim.

Related Codes in W20

Other codes in the same category that may be relevant for differential coding:

W20.0Struck by falling object in cave-in W20.1Struck by object due to collapse of building

🧪 Validate Combinations

Add W20.8 to the Excludes Checker to validate against your full code list.

Open in Checker →

Code Information

CodeW20.8

BillableNo — Header code

ParentW20

CategoryExternal causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)

Excludes16 rule(s)

Excludes20 note(s)

Child codes3

Data Source

CMS ICD-10-CM 2026 Tabular List

Updated October 1, 2025 (FY2026)