Is ICD-10-CM code T17 billable?

No, T17 (Foreign body in respiratory tract) 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 T17 belong to?

T17 belongs to Chapter 19 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: S00–T88 (Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes).

T17Not billable, use a more specific code below

Foreign body in respiratory tract

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

150 billable codes under T17: 24 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Instructional notes

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 T17.

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 T17

T17 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

T17 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under T17 group to these 12 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 913 Traumatic Injury with MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 914 Traumatic Injury without MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 949 Aftercare with CC/MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 950 Aftercare without CC/MCC (50 of 150 codes)
DRG 205 Other Respiratory System Diagnoses with MCC (32 of 150 codes)
DRG 206 Other Respiratory System Diagnoses without MCC (32 of 150 codes)
DRG 154 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC (18 of 150 codes)
DRG 155 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC (18 of 150 codes)
DRG 156 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC (18 of 150 codes)
DRG 157 Dental and Oral Diseases with MCC (1 of 150 codes)
DRG 158 Dental and Oral Diseases with CC (1 of 150 codes)
DRG 159 Dental and Oral Diseases without CC/MCC (1 of 150 codes)

Other codes that refer to T17

Notes on these codes point to T17.

J69.0 Code Also: any associated foreign body in respiratory tract (T17.-)
R09.0 Excludes1: asphyxia due to foreign body in respiratory tract (T17.-)
T18.1 Excludes2: foreign body in respiratory tract (T17.-)
T71 Excludes1: asphyxia from inhalation of food or foreign body (T17.-)
Z03.82 Excludes2: foreign body in respiratory tract (T17)

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.