T16.2XXS — Foreign body in left ear, sequela

Billable

Is T16.2XXS billable?

Yes — T16.2XXS is billable for FY2027. T16.2XXS is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. T16.2XXS may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

T16.2XXS at a glance

Code	T16.2XXS
Description	Foreign body in left ear, sequela
Billable	Yes
Code set	ICD-10-CM FY2027
Valid for encounters	October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027
7th character "S"	sequela

What does the 7th character "S" mean in T16.2XXS?

In T16.2XXS, the 7th character S means sequela. The 7th character is required for T16.2XXS to be a valid, complete code.

Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:

Which MS-DRGs does T16.2XXS group to?

T16.2XXS sits in MDC 21 and helps define the logic of 2 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.

913Traumatic Injury with MCCmedical
914Traumatic Injury without MCCmedical

Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19

Report an additional code alongside T16.2XXS to fully describe the condition. T16.2XXS 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 T16.2XXS to fully describe the condition. T16.2XXS 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 T16.2XXS, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T16.2XXS and the excluded code may both be reported.

birth trauma (P10-P15)
obstetric trauma (O70-O71)

Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T15-T19

The conditions below are not part of T16.2XXS, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T16.2XXS and the excluded code may both be reported.

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

How long has T16.2XXS existed?

T16.2XXS 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.