W44 – Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code W44

Code: W44 (claims format: W44)
Description: Foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice
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: W20-W49 Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

Billable codes under W44

W44 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

W44.A – Battery entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.B – Plastic entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.C – Glass entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.D – Magnetic metal entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.E – Non-magnetic metal entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.F – Objects of natural or organic material entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.G – Other non-organic objects entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.H – Other sharp object entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.8 – Other foreign body entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (more codes below)
W44.9 – Unspecified foreign body entering into or through a natural orificeHeader (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 W44

Excludes2 (not included here):

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

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W44

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

Block W20-W49

Excludes1 (not coded here):

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)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code W44?

W44 is the ICD-10-CM code for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice, in the block W20-W49 (Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces).

Is W44 a billable code?

No. W44 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.