T18.8XXA — Foreign body in other parts of alimentary tract, initial encounter
Is T18.8XXA billable?
Yes — T18.8XXA is billable for FY2027. T18.8XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code at the highest level of specificity in its branch. T18.8XXA may be submitted for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
T18.8XXA at a glance
| Code | T18.8XXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Foreign body in other parts of alimentary tract, 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 T18.8XXA?
In T18.8XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T18.8XXA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T18.8XXA group to?
T18.8XXA sits in MDC 06 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.
- 393Other Digestive System Diagnoses with MCCmedical
- 394Other Digestive System Diagnoses with CCmedical
- 395Other Digestive System Diagnoses without CC/MCCmedical
How is T18.8XXA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T18.8, the nearest indexed parent of T18.8XXA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Foreign body › alimentary tract › multiple sites
- Foreign body › alimentary tract › specified site NEC
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › alimentary canal › multiple parts
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › alimentary canal › specified part NEC
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › digestive organ or tract NOS › multiple parts
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › digestive organ or tract NOS › specified part NEC
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › gastrointestinal tract › multiple parts
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › gastrointestinal tract › specified part NEC
How is T18.8XXA listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under T18, the nearest indexed parent of T18.8XXA. This is a separate index from the Alphabetic Index and is where external cause codes are looked up.
- Aspiration › food
- Choked, choking › food (on) (any object except food or vomitus)
- Foodin › air passages (any type)
- Foodin › alimentary tract causing asphyxia (any type)
- Asphyxia, asphyxiation › by › food
- Compression › trachea by › food
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T18.8XXA to fully describe the condition. T18.8XXA 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 T18.8XXA to fully describe the condition. T18.8XXA 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 T18.8XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T18.8XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T15-T19
The conditions below are not part of T18.8XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T18.8XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T18
The conditions below are not part of T18.8XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T18.8XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
- foreign body in pharynx (T17.2-)
How long has T18.8XXA existed?
T18.8XXA 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.