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