T18.9XXA — Foreign body of alimentary tract, part unspecified, initial encounter
Is T18.9XXA billable?
Yes, but T18.9XXA is an unspecified code. T18.9XXA is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T18.9XXA 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 T18.9XXA — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- T18.0XXAForeign body in mouth, initial encounter
- T18.100AUnspecified foreign body in esophagus causing compression of trachea, initial encounter
- T18.2XXAForeign body in stomach, initial encounter
- T18.3XXAForeign body in small intestine, initial encounter
- T18.4XXAForeign body in colon, initial encounter
- T18.5XXAForeign body in anus and rectum, initial encounter
- T18.8XXAForeign body in other parts of alimentary tract, initial encounter
T18.9XXA at a glance
| Code | T18.9XXA |
|---|---|
| Description | Foreign body of alimentary tract, part unspecified, 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 T18.9XXA?
In T18.9XXA, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T18.9XXA to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T18.9XXA group to?
T18.9XXA 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 T18.9XXA listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T18.9, the nearest indexed parent of T18.9XXA. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Bezoar
- Phytobezoar
- Trichobezoar
- Trichophytobezoar
- Foreign body › alimentary tract
- Foreign body › ingestion, ingested NOS
- Foreign body › swallowed
- Foreign body › entering through orifice › alimentary canal
How is T18.9XXA listed in the External Cause Index?
The External Cause of Injuries Index lists these routes under T18, the nearest indexed parent of T18.9XXA. 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
Inclusion terms
Alternative wording in documentation that is classified to T18.9XXA.
- Foreign body in digestive system NOS
- Swallowed foreign body NOS
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T18.9XXA to fully describe the condition. T18.9XXA 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 T18.9XXA to fully describe the condition. T18.9XXA 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 T18.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T18.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T15-T19
The conditions below are not part of T18.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T18.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T18
The conditions below are not part of T18.9XXA, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T18.9XXA and the excluded code may both be reported.
- foreign body in pharynx (T17.2-)
How long has T18.9XXA existed?
T18.9XXA 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.