T16.9XXA — Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter
Is T16.9XXA billable?
Yes, but T16.9XXA is an unspecified code. T16.9XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T16.9XXA is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting T16.9XXA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
T16.9XXA at a glance
| Code | T16.9XXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in T16.9XXA?
In T16.9XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T16.9XXA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T16.9XXA group to?
T16.9XXA sits in MDC 03 and helps define the logic of 3 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 154Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 155Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CCmedical
- 156Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCCmedical
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T16.9XXA to fully describe the condition. T16.9XXA 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 T16.9XXA to fully describe the condition. T16.9XXA 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 T16.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T16.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T15-T19
The conditions below are not part of T16.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T16.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
How long has T16.9XXA existed?
T16.9XXA 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.