T16
Non-billableForeign body in ear
Foreign body in ear
This is a header/category code. For billing purposes, use a more specific child code from the list below.
Coding Notes
Includes
Conditions included under this code
- foreign body in auditory canal
Excludes 1
Codes that cannot be used together with this code (mutual exclusion)
Excludes 2
Conditions not included here, but the patient may have both
- •foreign body accidentally left in operation woundT81.5
- foreign body in penetrating wound - See open wound by body region
- •residual foreign body in soft tissueM79.5
- splinter, without open wound - See superficial injury by body region
Use Additional Code
Additional codes that should follow this code
7th Character Definitions
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Child Codes (3)
ICD-11 Equivalents(1)
ICD-11 Equivalents
View full mappingCorresponding ICD-11 codes from the WHO crosswalk mapping
Also Known As / Clinical Terms(15)
UMLS
- FB (foreign body) in EAC (external auditory canal)C0161007
- Foreign body in auditory canalC0161007
- Foreign body in auditory canal (disorder)C0161007
- Foreign body in external acoustic meatusC0161007
- Foreign body in external auditory canalC0161007
- Foreign body in external auditory meatusC0161007
- foreign body in auditory canalC0161007
- Foreign body in earC5886823
- Foreign body in ear (disorder)C5886823
- Foreign body retained in earC5886823
- bodies ear foreignC5886823
- body ear foreignC5886823
- ear foreign bodyC5886823
- foreign body earC5886823
- foreign body in earC5886823
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for foreign body in ear?
The ICD-10-CM code for foreign body in ear is T16. The full clinical description is "Foreign body in ear". T16 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
What does ICD-10 code T16 mean?
ICD-10-CM code T16 represents “Foreign body in ear”. It is classified under Chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes and is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
Is T16 a billable code?
No, T16 is a non-billable header code. You need to use one of its more specific child codes for billing. There are 3 child codes under T16.
What chapter is T16 in?
T16 is in Chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes (codes S00-T88).
What codes cannot be used with T16?
T16 has Excludes1 notes indicating codes that cannot be used together with it, including: birth trauma (P10-P15); obstetric trauma (O70-O71).
What are the subcategories under T16?
T16 has 3 child codes, including: T16.1 (Foreign body in right ear), T16.2 (Foreign body in left ear), T16.9 (Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear).
Are additional codes required with T16?
Yes, when using T16, also report: any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-); code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-).
What are the UMLS CUIs for T16?
T16 is linked to 2 UMLS Concept Unique Identifiers: C0161007, C5886823. The UMLS (Unified Medical Language System) integrates multiple biomedical vocabularies maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
How does T16 relate to ICF functioning codes?
ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) codes describe how conditions like foreign body in ear affect a person's functioning — body functions, activities, participation, and environmental factors. AutoICD provides ICF Core Sets for 12+ conditions and can map clinical text to ICF categories automatically. Browse the ICF directory to explore functioning codes.
What is the ICD-11 equivalent of T16?
T16 maps to the ICD-11 code: ND71 (Foreign body in ear).
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Includes SNOMED Clinical Terms® (SNOMED CT®) used by permission of SNOMED International. Includes content from the UMLS Metathesaurus, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.