Z18
Non-billableRetained foreign body fragments
Retained foreign body fragments
This is a header/category code. For billing purposes, use a more specific child code from the list below.
Status
Non-billable / Header
Block
Z18-Z18
Child Codes
6
Coding Notes
Includes
Conditions included under this code
- embedded fragment (status)
- embedded splinter (status)
- retained foreign body status
Excludes 1
Codes that cannot be used together with this code (mutual exclusion)
- •artificial joint prosthesis statusZ96.6
- •foreign body accidentally left during a procedureT81.5
- •foreign body entering through orificeT15-T19
- •in situ cardiac deviceZ95
- •organ or tissue replaced by means other than transplant,Z96, Z97
- •organ or tissue replaced by transplantZ94
- •personal history of retained foreign body fully removedZ87.821
- superficial foreign body (non-embedded splinter) - code to superficial foreign body, by site
Child Codes (6)
Also Known As / Clinical Terms(5)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for retained foreign body fragments?
The ICD-10-CM code for retained foreign body fragments is Z18. The full clinical description is "Retained foreign body fragments". Z18 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
What does ICD-10 code Z18 mean?
ICD-10-CM code Z18 represents “Retained foreign body fragments”. It is classified under Chapter 22: Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact With Health Services and is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
Is Z18 a billable code?
No, Z18 is a non-billable header code. You need to use one of its more specific child codes for billing. There are 6 child codes under Z18.
What chapter is Z18 in?
Z18 is in Chapter 22: Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact With Health Services (codes Z00-Z99).
What codes cannot be used with Z18?
Z18 has Excludes1 notes indicating codes that cannot be used together with it, including: artificial joint prosthesis status (Z96.6-); foreign body accidentally left during a procedure (T81.5-); foreign body entering through orifice (T15-T19); and 5 more.
What are the subcategories under Z18?
Z18 has 6 child codes, including: Z18.0 (Retained radioactive fragments), Z18.1 (Retained metal fragments), Z18.2 (Retained plastic fragments), Z18.3 (Retained organic fragments), and 2 more.
What are the UMLS CUIs for Z18?
Z18 is linked to 4 UMLS Concept Unique Identifiers: C2977631, C2921319, C2921320, C2921321. The UMLS (Unified Medical Language System) integrates multiple biomedical vocabularies maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
How does Z18 relate to ICF functioning codes?
ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) codes describe how conditions like retained foreign body fragments 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 Z18?
There is no direct ICD-11 mapping available for Z18 in the WHO crosswalk tables. This may mean the concept is classified differently in ICD-11. Use the ICD-10 to ICD-11 converter to search for related codes.
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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.