T16.2
Non-billableForeign body in left ear
Foreign body in left 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
Child Codes (3)
Also Known As / Clinical Terms(2)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for foreign body in left ear?
The ICD-10-CM code for foreign body in left ear is T16.2. The full clinical description is "Foreign body in left ear". T16.2 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code for billing purposes.
What does ICD-10 code T16.2 mean?
ICD-10-CM code T16.2 represents “Foreign body in left 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 T16.2 a billable code?
No, T16.2 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 T16.2.
What chapter is T16.2 in?
T16.2 is in Chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes (codes S00-T88).
What codes cannot be used with T16.2?
T16.2 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 T16.2?
T16.2 has 3 child codes, including: T16.2XXA (Foreign body in left ear, initial encounter), T16.2XXD (Foreign body in left ear, subsequent encounter), T16.2XXS (Foreign body in left ear, sequela).
Are additional codes required with T16.2?
Yes, when using T16.2, 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 T16.2?
T16.2 is linked to 1 UMLS Concept Unique Identifier: C2103547. The UMLS (Unified Medical Language System) integrates multiple biomedical vocabularies maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
How does T16.2 relate to ICF functioning codes?
ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) codes describe how conditions like foreign body in left 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 T16.2?
There is no direct ICD-11 mapping available for T16.2 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.