T16
Foreign body in ear
T16 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code category for foreign body in ear. Report a more specific code from it instead. It is part of the FY2027 code set, effective October 1, 2026. The more specific codes under it are T16.1 Foreign body in right ear; T16.2 Foreign body in left ear and T16.9 Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear. Its coding notes include a Use additional code instruction and 6 Excludes2 entries.
7th characters
Every code below needs one of these.
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T16
- Ainitial encounter
- Dsubsequent encounter
- Ssequela
Guidelines tip
From the FY2027 Official Guidelines. ICD10Ref adds no rules of its own.
The 7th character depends on whether the patient is in active treatment, not on who sees the patient. An aftercare Z code is not used for injury aftercare.
Use additional code
Add the listed code as a secondary code, if known.
Also from chapter/block level (2 notes)
- code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-)
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Excludes2
Not included here. Both codes may be reported if the patient has both conditions.
Also from chapter/block level (6 notes)
- birth trauma (P10-P15)
- obstetric trauma (O70-O71)
Includes
Further defines or gives examples of the content of the category.
- foreign body in auditory canal
Notes
Also from chapter/block level (2 notes)
- Use secondary code(s) from Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity, to indicate cause of injury. Codes within the T section that include the external cause do not require an additional external cause code
- The chapter uses the S-section for coding different types of injuries related to single body regions and the T-section to cover injuries to unspecified body regions as well as poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes.
Alphabetic Index terms
Terms the official Alphabetic Index lists for this code. 1 entry