2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code Z18Retained foreign body fragments

ICD-10-CM Codes›Z00–Z99›Z18›Z18

ICD-10-CM Z18
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

Z18 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for retained foreign body fragments, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as Z18.01, Z18.09, Z18.10, and Z18.11.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
Z18
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Retained foreign body fragments
Chapter
Z18
Retained foreign body fragments

Code Classification

ChapterZ00–Z99Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
SectionZ18Retained foreign body fragments
CategoryZ18Retained foreign body fragments
This CodeZ18Retained foreign body fragments

Specific Coding for Retained foreign body fragmentsOverview

Non-specific codes like Z18 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Z18.0 for Retained radioactive fragments

  • Use Z18.01 for Retained depleted uranium fragments

  • Use Z18.09 for Other retained radioactive fragments

  • Z18.1 for Retained metal fragments

  • Use Z18.10 for Retained metal fragments, unspecified

  • Use Z18.11 for Retained magnetic metal fragments

  • Use Z18.12 for Retained nonmagnetic metal fragments

  • Use Z18.2 for Retained plastic fragments

  • Z18.3 for Retained organic fragments

  • Use Z18.31 for Retained animal quills or spines

  • Use Z18.32 for Retained tooth

  • Use Z18.33 for Retained wood fragments

  • Use Z18.39 for Other retained organic fragments

  • Z18.8 for Other specified retained foreign body

  • Use Z18.81 for Retained glass fragments

  • Use Z18.83 for Retained stone or crystalline fragments

  • Use Z18.89 for Other specified retained foreign body fragments

  • Use Z18.9 for Retained foreign body fragments, unspecified material

Tabular List NotesGuidance

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

Includes

  • embedded fragment (status)
  • embedded splinter (status)
  • retained foreign body status

Type 1 Excludes

  • artificial joint prosthesis status Z96.6
  • foreign body accidentally left during a procedure T81.5
  • foreign body entering through orifice T15 T19
  • in situ cardiac device Z95
  • organ or tissue replaced by means other than transplant Z96 Z97
  • organ or tissue replaced by transplant Z94
  • personal history of retained foreign body fully removed Z87.821
  • superficial foreign body (non-embedded splinter) - code to superficial foreign body, by site

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.