2025 ICD-10-CM code W60.XXXA

Contact with nonvenomous plant thorns and spines and sharp leaves, initial encounter.

This code should be used as a secondary code to a code describing the nature of the injury (e.g., a laceration or puncture wound).It is important to distinguish between contact with non-venomous and venomous plants.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of an injury requiring medical attention.

The provider is responsible for documenting the details of the injury, including the location and severity, and providing appropriate care.

IMPORTANT Excludes1: Toxic effect of contact with venomous animals and plants (T63.-)

In simple words: This code is used when someone gets injured by the thorns, spines, or sharp leaves of a plant that isn't poisonous, and it's the first time they're being seen for this injury.

Contact with nonvenomous plant thorns and spines and sharp leaves, initial encounter. This code describes an injury resulting from contact with thorns, spines, or sharp leaves of non-venomous plants.It is used for the initial encounter for this injury.

Example 1: A patient presents to the emergency room after being pricked by rose thorns while gardening. This is the patient's first encounter for this injury., A hiker is scratched by thorns while walking through a thicket. This is the initial encounter for this injury., A child playing in a park falls into a bush with sharp leaves, sustaining multiple minor cuts.This is the child's first visit for this injury.

Documentation should include the type of plant (if known), the location and description of the injury (e.g., scratches, puncture wounds), and any associated symptoms.

** This code is intended to provide additional information about the cause of the injury and should not be used as the primary diagnosis code.

  • Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Primary Care, Urgent Care
  • Place of Service:"Office", "Home", "Emergency Room - Hospital", "Urgent Care Facility", "Outpatient Hospital", "Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home"
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