ICD-10 W23
Non-Billable HeaderCaught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects
About ICD-10-CM W23
ICD-10-CM code W23 represents Caught, crushed, jammed or pinched in or between objects. This is a non-billable header code in the External Causes of Morbidity chapter (block W23). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM W23 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with W23. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- injury caused by cutting or piercing instruments (W25-W27)
- injury caused by firearms malfunction (W32.1, W33.1-, W34.1-)
- injury caused by lifting and transmission devices (W24.-)
- injury caused by machinery (W28-W31)
- injury caused by nonpowered hand tools (W27.-)
- injury caused by transport vehicle being used as a means of transportation (V01-V99)
- injury caused by struck by thrown, projected or falling object (W20.-)
Coding Notes
Seven Chr Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category W23
Medicare LCD Coverage for W23
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list W23 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing W23.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but W23 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with W23
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To W23
Other codes in section W20-W49 (Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces).
ICD-10 W23, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code W23 billable? +
No, W23 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block W23 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for W23? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with W23): injury caused by cutting or piercing instruments (W25-W27); injury caused by firearms malfunction (W32.1, W33.1-, W34.1-); injury caused by lifting and transmission devices (W24.-)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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