Foreign body in ear (T16) ICD-10-CM
The T16 code range covers foreign body in ear with 13 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 9 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2027, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
- foreign body in auditory canal
7th Character Note
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T16
7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Codes in the T16 Range 13 codes · 9 billable
- T16 Foreign body in earNon-billable
- T16.1 Foreign body in right earNon-billable
- T16.1XXA Foreign body in right ear, initial encounter
- T16.1XXD Foreign body in right ear, subsequent encounter
- T16.1XXS Foreign body in right ear, sequela
- T16.2 Foreign body in left earNon-billable
- T16.2XXA Foreign body in left ear, initial encounter
- T16.2XXD Foreign body in left ear, subsequent encounter
- T16.2XXS Foreign body in left ear, sequela
- T16.9 Foreign body in ear, unspecified earNon-billable
- T16.9XXA Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter
- T16.9XXD Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, subsequent encounter
- T16.9XXS Foreign body in ear, unspecified ear, sequela
About the T16 Code Range
A foreign body in the ear falls within the group for objects entering through a natural opening.
T16 separates the right ear (T16.1), left ear (T16.2), and unspecified ear (T16.9). A seventh character distinguishes an initial encounter (A), subsequent encounter (D), or sequela (S).
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the T16 range?
Of the 13 codes in this range, 9 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the T16 range classify?
The range classifies foreign body in ear. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
