2026 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 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) 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 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
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
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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, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
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 124, 125, with relative weights from 0.7678 to 1.3231 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.
Footnotes
[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.
