2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T16.9XXAForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter
T16.9XXA is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, 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 154 through 156. Coders also document this condition as foreign body in auditory canal. 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 auditory canal
- Foreign body in auricle
- Foreign body in ear
- Foreign body in middle ear
- Glass in ear region
- Glass in head
- Insect in external auditory meatus
- Metal foreign body in ear region
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 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 T16.9XXA: its own notes plus those printed at T16, block T15-T19, and Chapter 19. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.
Includes
Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.
- foreign body in auditory canal
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.
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 T16
- 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 T16.9XXA, its category, or a range that includes it.
Excludes2 2
These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming T16.9XXA: 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 in ear (T16) names T16, which includes this code
- Z03.82 Encounter for observation for suspected foreign body ruled outforeign body in ear (T16) names T16, which includes this code
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
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.
Convert T16.9XXA to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T16.9XXAOverview
What is the ICD-10 code for foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter?
The ICD-10-CM code for foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter is T16.9XXA (sometimes written as T169XXA). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Is T16.9XXA (Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
What does the 7th character A in T16.9XXA mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does T16.9XXA group to?
When foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 156, 155, 154, with relative weights from 0.6656 to 1.5916 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T16.9XXA?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 931 (foreign body in ear) and E915 (FB entering oth orifice). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
