2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T15.81XAForeign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, right eye, initial encounter
T15.81XA is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, right eye, initial encounter. The 7th character A marks it as an initial encounter code, used while the patient is receiving active treatment. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 124 through 125. Coders also document this condition as foreign body in lacrimal punctum. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Effect of foreign body entering opening, initial encounter; External cause codes: intent of injury, accidental/unintentional; and External cause codes: other specified, classifiable and NEC; initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Foreign body in lacrimal punctum
- Foreign body of right lacrimal punctum
- Foreign body on right external 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 2027, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Instructional NotesGuidance
Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to T15.81XA: its own notes plus those printed at T15, block T15-T19, and Chapter 19. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.
Excludes2
Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.
- 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-)
Use Additional Code
Add a second code, after this one, to fully describe the condition.
- code, if known, for foreign body entering into or through a natural orifice (W44.-)
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Notes
General instructions on how these codes are used.
- Use secondary code(s) from Chapter 20, External causes of morbidity, to indicate cause of injury. Codes within the T section that include the external cause do not require an additional external cause code
- The chapter uses the S-section for coding different types of injuries related to single body regions and the T-section to cover injuries to unspecified body regions as well as poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes.
7th Character
Every code in the category takes a 7th character from the listed values, with the placeholder X filling any empty positions before it.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T15
- Ainitial encounter this code
- Dsubsequent encounter
- Ssequela
Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.
Referenced in Other NotesGuidance
Instructional notes printed at other codes that name T15.81XA, its category, or a range that includes it.
Excludes2 2
These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming T15.81XA: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.
- Block S00-S09 Injuries to the headeffects of foreign body on external eye (T15.-) names T15.-, which includes this code
- Z03.82 Encounter for observation for suspected foreign body ruled outforeign body on external eye (T15) names T15, which includes this code
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
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.
Convert T15.81XA to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T15.81XAOverview
Is T15.81XA a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, right eye, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
What does the 7th character A in T15.81XA mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does T15.81XA group to?
When foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, right eye, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 125, 124, with relative weights from 0.7699 to 1.2470 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T15.81XA?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, foreign body in other and multiple parts of external eye, right eye, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 930.8 (foreign bdy ext eye NEC), E914 (FB entering eye), and 930.2 (FB in lacrimal punctum). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
