T16
Header — not billableForeign body in ear
The ICD-10 code for foreign body in ear is T16.
T16 is a non-billable header code. It groups related conditions but cannot be used on its own for reimbursement — select one of the 3 more specific codes below.
Clinical notes
Includes
Terms listed here further define or give examples of the conditions grouped under this code — they describe what the code covers, not a separate diagnosis.
- foreign body in auditory canal
7th character definitions
These definitions specify what each valid 7th-character value means for codes in this category.
- [object Object]
7th character note
This category requires a 7th character to indicate additional clinical detail (e.g. encounter type: initial, subsequent, sequela). The code is incomplete without it.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T16
Documentation support
General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.
- •This is a non-billable header code. Documentation must support a more specific child code before this diagnosis can be reported on a claim.
- •This category requires a 7th character. Documentation should clearly indicate the episode of care (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela).
- •As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.