Z18
Non-billableRetained foreign body fragments
Z18 is the ICD-10-CM code for Retained foreign body fragments. It is a non-billable category code — use a more specific child code such as Z18.0 for billing.
- Status
- Header (non-billable)
- Chapter
- Z00-Z99
- Subcodes
- 6
- Edition
- FY2026
Z00-Z99 Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
What this means — in plain language
MedlinePlus · NIHIf you've ever gotten a splinter or had sand in your eye, you've had experience with a foreign body. A foreign body is something that is stuck inside you but isn't supposed to be there. You may inhale or swallow a foreign body, or you may get one from an injury to almost any part of your body. Foreign bodies are more common in small children, who sometimes stick things in their mouths, ears, and noses. Some foreign…
Read more about Foreign Bodies at MedlinePlus ↗Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Informational only — not medical advice.
Includes
- •embedded fragment (status)
- •embedded splinter (status)
- •retained foreign body status
Excludes1 — not coded here
- •artificial joint prosthesis status (Z96.6-)
- •foreign body accidentally left during a procedure (T81.5-)
- •foreign body entering through orifice (T15-T19)
- •in situ cardiac device (Z95.-)
- •organ or tissue replaced by means other than transplant (Z96.-, Z97.-)
- •organ or tissue replaced by transplant (Z94.-)
- •personal history of retained foreign body fully removed Z87.821
- •superficial foreign body (non-embedded splinter) - code to superficial foreign body, by site
Frequently asked questions
Source: CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026. For informational purposes only — not medical advice. See our medical disclaimer.
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