2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T15Foreign body on external eye

ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›T15-T19›T15

ICD-10-CM T15
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

T15 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for foreign body on external eye, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as T15.00XA, T15.00XD, T15.00XS, and T15.01XA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
T15
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Foreign body on external eye
Chapter
T15-T19
Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice

Code Classification

ChapterS00–T88Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
SectionT15-T19Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice
CategoryT15Foreign body on external eye
This CodeT15Foreign body on external eye

Specific Coding for Foreign body on external eyeOverview

Non-specific codes like T15 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • T15.0 for Foreign body in cornea

  • T15.00 for Foreign body in cornea, unspecified eye

  • T15.01 for Foreign body in cornea, right eye

  • T15.02 for Foreign body in cornea, left eye

  • T15.1 for Foreign body in conjunctival sac

  • T15.10 for Foreign body in conjunctival sac, unspecified eye

  • T15.11 for Foreign body in conjunctival sac, right eye

  • T15.12 for Foreign body in conjunctival sac, left eye

  • T15.8 for Foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye

  • T15.80 for Foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, unspecified eye

  • T15.81 for Foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, right eye

  • T15.82 for Foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, left eye

  • T15.9 for Foreign body on external eye, part unspecified

  • T15.90 for Foreign body on external eye, part unspecified, unspecified eye

  • T15.91 for Foreign body on external eye, part unspecified, right eye

  • T15.92 for Foreign body on external eye, part unspecified, left eye

Coding GuidelinesGuidance

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Foreign body on external eye (T15). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:

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

Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Type 2 Excludes

  • foreign body in penetrating wound of orbit and eye ball S05.4 S05.5
  • open wound of eyelid and periocular area S01.1
  • retained foreign body in eyelid H02.8
  • retained old foreign body in penetrating wound of orbit and eye ball H05.5 H44.6 H44.7
  • superficial foreign body of eyelid and periocular area S00.25

7th Character Note

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T15

7th Character

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

Patient EducationClinical

Eye Injuries

The structure of your face helps protect your eyes from injury. Still, injuries can damage your eye, sometimes severely enough that you could lose your vision. Most eye injuries are preventable. If you play sports or work in certain jobs, you may need protection.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code History & ChangesHistory

Replaced This code was replaced in the FY 2026 code set by:

  • W44.H9XA - Other sharp object entering via natural orifice, init
  • W44.H9XD - Other sharp object entering via natural orifice, subs
  • W44.H9XS - Other sharp object entering via natural orifice, sequela
FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About T15Overview

Is T15 (Foreign body on external eye) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for foreign body on external eye, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for foreign body on external eye need a more specific code from this category, such as T15.00XA, T15.00XD, and T15.00XS.