T16 — Foreign body in ear
Is T16 billable?
No — T16 is a non-billable header code. T16 groups more specific codes and cannot be submitted on a claim. A valid ICD-10-CM code must be reported at the highest level of specificity available in its branch. Select one of the 9 billable codes beneath T16.
Billable codes under this header
- T16.1XXAForeign body in right ear, initial encounter
- T16.1XXDForeign body in right ear, subsequent encounter
- T16.1XXSForeign body in right ear, sequela
- T16.2XXAForeign body in left ear, initial encounter
- T16.2XXDForeign body in left ear, subsequent encounter
- T16.2XXSForeign body in left ear, sequela
- T16.9XXAForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter
- T16.9XXDForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, subsequent encounter
- T16.9XXSForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, sequela
T16 at a glance
| Code | T16 |
|---|---|
| Description | Foreign body in ear |
| Billable | No — header code |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
Includes
Conditions classified to T16.
- foreign body in auditory canal
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T16 to fully describe the condition. T16 is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from T15-T19
Report an additional code alongside T16 to fully describe the condition. T16 is sequenced first.
- code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T16, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T16 and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T15-T19
The conditions below are not part of T16, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T16 and the excluded code may both be reported.
What codes fall under T16? (3)
How long has T16 existed?
T16 has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.