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  6. 2024 ICD-10-CM Code T18
Version 2024
Non-Billable Code

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T18

Foreign body in alimentary tract

ICD-10-CM Code:
T18
ICD-10 Code for:
Foreign body in alimentary tract
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice
      (T15-T19)
      • Foreign body in alimentary tract
        (T18)

T18 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of foreign body in alimentary tract. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Foreign body in alimentary tract

Non-specific codes like T18 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for foreign body in alimentary tract:

  • T18.0 for Foreign body in mouth - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.1 for Foreign body in esophagus - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.10 for Unspecified foreign body in esophagus - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.11 for Gastric contents in esophagus - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.12 for Food in esophagus - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.19 for Other foreign object in esophagus - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.2 for Foreign body in stomach - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.3 for Foreign body in small intestine - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.4 for Foreign body in colon - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.5 for Foreign body in anus and rectum - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.8 for Foreign body in other parts of alimentary tract - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • T18.9 for Foreign body of alimentary tract, part unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Foreign body in alimentary tract (T18). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
  • foreign body in pharynx T17.2

7th Character Note

7th Character Note
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T18

7th Character

7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Index of External Cause of Injuries

References found for this diagnosis code in the External Cause of Injuries Index:

    • Asphyxia, asphyxiation
      • by
        • food (bone) (seed)
    • Aspiration
      • food (any type) (into respiratory tract) (with asphyxia, obstruction respiratory tract, suffocation)
    • Bean in nose
    • Choked, choking(on) (any object except food or vomitus)
      • food (bone) (seed)
    • Compression
      • trachea by
        • food (lodged in esophagus)
    • Food(any type) in
      • air passages (with asphyxia, obstruction, or suffocation)
    • Food(any type) in
      • alimentary tract causing asphyxia (due to compression of trachea)
    • Inhalation
      • food (any type) (into respiratory tract) (with asphyxia, obstruction respiratory tract, suffocation)
    • Interruption of respiration(by)
      • food (lodged in esophagus)
    • Suffocation(accidental) (by external means) (by pressure) (mechanical)
      • due to, by
        • food, any type (aspiration) (ingestion) (inhalation)

Patient Education


Foreign Bodies

If 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 bodies, like a small splinter, do not cause serious harm. Inhaled or swallowed foreign bodies may cause choking or bowel obstruction and may require medical care.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.