Is ICD-10-CM code T16 billable?

No, T16 (Foreign body in ear) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code T16 belong to?

T16 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

T16Not billable, use a more specific code below

Foreign body in ear

In Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice (T15-T19), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

9 billable codes under T16: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

foreign body in auditory canal

Also applies, from Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice (T15-T19)

These notes sit on T15-T19 and apply to every code under it, including T16.

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

foreign body accidentally left in operation wound (T81.5-)
foreign body in penetrating wound - See open wound by body region
residual foreign body in soft tissue (M79.5)
splinter, without open wound - See superficial injury by body region

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers 7th character use and coding of injuries, fractures, burns, drug and toxic effects, abuse and neglect, and complications of care (S00-T88).

Application of 7th Characters in Chapter 19 (page 77)
Coding of Injuries (page 78)
Coding of Traumatic Fractures (page 79)
Coding of Burns and Corrosions (page 80)
Adverse Effects, Poisoning, Underdosing and Toxic Effects (page 82)
Adult and child abuse, neglect and other maltreatment (page 85)
Complications of care (page 85)

Read Section I.C.19 (page 77)

All codes under T16

T16 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

T16 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under T16 group to these 7 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 154 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 155 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 156 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 913 Traumatic Injury with MCC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 914 Traumatic Injury without MCC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (3 of 9 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (3 of 9 codes)

Other codes that refer to T16

Notes on these codes point to T16.

S00-S09 Excludes2: effects of foreign body in ear (T16)
Z03.82 Excludes2: foreign body in ear (T16)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Foreign Bodies

If you've ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you've had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn't supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body. Foreign bodies are more common in small children, who sometimes stick things in their mouths, ears, and noses.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.