T81.509D — Unspecified complication of foreign body accidentally left in body following unspecified procedure, subsequent encounter
Is T81.509D billable?
Yes, but T81.509D is an unspecified code. T81.509D is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T81.509D 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 T81.509D — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
More specific alternatives
- T81.510DAdhesions due to foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation, subsequent encounter
- T81.520DObstruction due to foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation, subsequent encounter
- T81.530DPerforation due to foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation, subsequent encounter
- T81.590DOther complications of foreign body accidentally left in body following surgical operation, subsequent encounter
T81.509D at a glance
| Code | T81.509D |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified complication of foreign body accidentally left in body following unspecified procedure, subsequent encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "D" | subsequent encounter |
What does the 7th character "D" mean in T81.509D?
In T81.509D, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for T81.509D to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T81.509D group to?
T81.509D sits in MDC 23 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.
- 949Aftercare with CC/MCCmedical
- 950Aftercare without CC/MCCmedical
How is T81.509D listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T81.509, the nearest indexed parent of T81.509D. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Foreign body › accidentally left following a procedure
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T81.509D to fully describe the condition. T81.509D is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from T80-T88
Report an additional code alongside T81.509D to fully describe the condition. T81.509D is sequenced first.
Use additional code — inherited from T81
Report an additional code alongside T81.509D to fully describe the condition. T81.509D is sequenced first.
- code for adverse effect, if applicable, to identify drug (T36-T50 with fifth or sixth character 5)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T81.509D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T81.509D and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T80-T88
The conditions below are not part of T81.509D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T81.509D and the excluded code may both be reported.
- any encounters with medical care for postprocedural conditions in which no complications are present, such as:
- artificial opening status (Z93.-)
- closure of external stoma (Z43.-)
- fitting and adjustment of external prosthetic device (Z44.-)
- burns and corrosions from local applications and irradiation (T20-T32)
- complications of surgical procedures during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
- mechanical complication of respirator [ventilator] (J95.850)
- poisoning and toxic effects of drugs and chemicals (T36-T65 with fifth or sixth character 1-4 or 6)
- postprocedural fever (R50.82)
- specified complications classified elsewhere, such as:
- cerebrospinal fluid leak from spinal puncture (G97.0)
- colostomy malfunction (K94.0-)
- disorders of fluid and electrolyte imbalance (E86-E87)
- functional disturbances following cardiac surgery (I97.0-I97.1)
- intraoperative and postprocedural complications of specified body systems (D78.-, E36.-, E89.-, G97.3-, G97.4, H59.3-, H59.-, H95.2-, H95.3, I97.4-, I97.5, J95.6-, J95.7, K91.6-, L76.-, M96.-, N99.-)
- ostomy complications (J95.0-, K94.-, N99.5-)
- postgastric surgery syndromes (K91.1)
- postlaminectomy syndrome NEC (M96.1)
- postmastectomy lymphedema syndrome (I97.2)
- postsurgical blind-loop syndrome (K91.2)
- ventilator associated pneumonia (J95.851)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T81
The conditions below are not part of T81.509D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T81.509D and the excluded code may both be reported.
- complications following immunization (T88.0-T88.1)
- complications following infusion, transfusion and therapeutic injection (T80.-)
- complications of transplanted organs and tissue (T86.-)
- specified complications classified elsewhere, such as:
- complication of prosthetic devices, implants and grafts (T82-T85)
- dermatitis due to drugs and medicaments (L23.3, L24.4, L25.1, L27.0-L27.1)
- endosseous dental implant failure (M27.6-)
- floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) (intraoperative) H21.81
- intraoperative and postprocedural complications of specific body system (D78.-, E36.-, E89.-, G97.3-, G97.4, H59.3-, H59.-, H95.2-, H95.3, I97.4-, I97.5, J95, K91.-, L76.-, M96.-, N99.-)
- ostomy complications (J95.0-, K94.-, N99.5-)
- plateau iris syndrome (post-iridectomy) (postprocedural) H21.82
- poisoning and toxic effects of drugs and chemicals (T36-T65 with fifth or sixth character 1-4)
How long has T81.509D existed?
T81.509D 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.