2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T16Foreign body in ear

ICD-10-CM Codes›S00–T88›T15-T19›T16

ICD-10-CM T16
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

T16 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for foreign body in ear, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as T16.1XXA, T16.1XXD, T16.1XXS, and T16.2XXA.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
T16
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Foreign body in ear
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
CategoryT16Foreign body in ear
This CodeT16Foreign body in ear

Specific Coding for Foreign body in earOverview

Non-specific codes like T16 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • T16.1 for Foreign body in right ear

  • T16.2 for Foreign body in left ear

  • T16.9 for Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear

Coding GuidelinesGuidance

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Foreign body in ear (T16). 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.

Includes

  • foreign body in auditory canal

7th Character Note

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T16

7th Character

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

Patient EducationClinical

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.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Code HistoryHistory

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 T16Overview

Is T16 (Foreign body in ear) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for foreign body in ear, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for foreign body in ear need a more specific code from this category, such as T16.1XXA, T16.1XXD, and T16.1XXS.