W10 – Fall on and from stairs and steps

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code W10

Code: W10 (claims format: W10)
Description: Fall on and from stairs and steps
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 20. External causes of morbidity (V00-Y99)
Block: W00-W19 Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls

Billable codes under W10

W10 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

W10.0 – Fall (on)(from) escalatorHeader (more codes below)
W10.1 – Fall (on)(from) sidewalk curbHeader (more codes below)
W10.2 – Fall (on)(from) inclineHeader (more codes below)
W10.8 – Fall (on) (from) other stairs and stepsHeader (more codes below)
W10.9 – Fall (on) (from) unspecified stairs and stepsHeader (more codes below)

7th character values

Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care (use placeholder X for empty positions).

Character	Meaning
`A`	initial encounter
`D`	subsequent encounter
`S`	sequela

Notes for W10

Excludes1 (not coded here):

Fall from stairs and steps due to ice and snow (W00.1)

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W10

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block W00-W19

Excludes1 (not coded here):

assault involving a fall (Y01-Y02)
fall from animal (V80.-)
fall (in) (from) machinery (in operation) (W28-W31)
fall (in) (from) transport vehicle (V01-V99)
intentional self-harm involving a fall (X80-X81)

Excludes2 (not included here):

at risk for fall (history of fall) Z91.81
fall (in) (from) burning building (X00.-)
fall into fire (X00-X04, X08)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code W10?

W10 is the ICD-10-CM code for fall on and from stairs and steps, in the block W00-W19 (Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls).

Is W10 a billable code?

No. W10 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.