All ICD10 Codes

T16

Non-Billable
ChapterS00–T88
Rankcategory
Official Description

Foreign body in ear

Use a more specific code (3 billable)
T16.1Foreign body in right earT16.2Foreign body in left earT16.9Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear
Metadata & Insights
  • •Non-billable category (requires more specific sub-code).
  • •Chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes (S00-T88).

CH19 Parent Instructions

Excludes2(Not included here. Code separately if applicable.)
Use Additional Code
  • code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)

T15-T19 Parent Instructions

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

Instructional Notes

Includes
  • foreign body in auditory canal

Clinical Hierarchy

BillableHas subcodes
CH19Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
T15-T19Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice (T15-T19)
T16Foreign body in earNot billable
T16.1Foreign body in right earBillable
T16.2Foreign body in left earBillable
T16.9Foreign body in ear, unspecified earBillable

Applicable Ancestor Context

The following parent sections contain instructions or notes that apply to T16:

blockT15-T19
Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice (T15-T19)
View context instructions
chapterCH19
Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
View context instructions

MS-DRG Classification

2026

No direct MS-DRG triggers identified.

Cross Reference

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