Is ICD-10-CM code Z18 billable?

No, Z18 (Retained foreign body fragments) 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 Z18 belong to?

Z18 belongs to Chapter 21 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: Z00–Z99 (Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services).

Z18Not billable, use a more specific code below

Retained foreign body fragments

chapter 21: Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services

14 billable codes under Z18: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

embedded fragment (status)
embedded splinter (status)
retained foreign body status

Excludes1: not coded here, use a different code

artificial joint prosthesis status (Z96.6-)
foreign body accidentally left during a procedure (T81.5-)
foreign body entering through orifice (T15-T19)
in situ cardiac device (Z95.-)
organ or tissue replaced by means other than transplant (Z96.-, Z97.-)
organ or tissue replaced by transplant (Z94.-)
personal history of retained foreign body fully removed Z87.821
superficial foreign body (non-embedded splinter) - code to superficial foreign body, by site

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 when and how to use Z codes (Z00-Z99) for encounters and supplementary information, including contact, status, history, screening, aftercare, exams, and social determinants of health.

Use of Z Codes in Any Healthcare Setting (page 92)
Z Codes Indicate a Reason for an Encounter or Provide Additional Information about a Patient Encounter (page 93)
Categories of Z Codes (page 93)

Read Section I.C.21 (page 92)

All codes under Z18

Z18 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

Z18 MS-DRG

As the principal diagnosis, all 14 billable codes under Z18 group to MS-DRG 951 (v44.0).

DRG 951 Other Factors Influencing Health Status

Other codes that refer to Z18

Notes on these codes point to Z18.

CH19 Use Additional Code: code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
H02.81 Use Additional Code: code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)
H05.5 Use Additional Code: code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)
L92.3 Use Additional Code: code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)
M60.2 Use Additional Code: code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)
R78 Use Additional Code: code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
R79 Use Additional Code: code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
R82 Use Additional Code: code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
T51-T65 Use Additional Code: to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Z03.82 Excludes1: retained foreign body (Z18.-)
Z77 Excludes2: retained foreign body (Z18.-)

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.