W18 – Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls

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

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code W18

Code: W18 (claims format: W18)
Description: Other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls
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 W18

W18 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

W18.0 – Fall due to bumping against objectHeader (more codes below)
W18.1 – Fall from or off toiletHeader (more codes below)
W18.2 – Fall in (into) shower or empty bathtubHeader (more codes below)
W18.3 – Other and unspecified fall on same levelHeader (more codes below)
W18.4 – Slipping, tripping and stumbling without fallingHeader (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 W18

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W18

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 W18?

W18 is the ICD-10-CM code for other slipping, tripping and stumbling and falls, in the block W00-W19 (Slipping, tripping, stumbling and falls).

Is W18 a billable code?

No. W18 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.