Retained foreign body fragments (Z18) ICD-10-CM
The Z18 code range covers retained foreign body fragments with 19 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 14 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.
- embedded fragment (status)
- embedded splinter (status)
- retained foreign body status
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- 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
Codes in the Z18 Range 19 codes · 14 billable
- Z18 Retained foreign body fragmentsNon-billable
- Z18.0 Retained radioactive fragmentsNon-billable
- Z18.01 Retained depleted uranium fragments
- Z18.09 Other retained radioactive fragments
- Z18.1 Retained metal fragmentsNon-billable
- Z18.10 Retained metal fragments, unspecified
- Z18.11 Retained magnetic metal fragments
- Z18.12 Retained nonmagnetic metal fragments
- Z18.2 Retained plastic fragments
- Z18.3 Retained organic fragmentsNon-billable
- Z18.31 Retained animal quills or spines
- Z18.32 Retained tooth
- Z18.33 Retained wood fragments
- Z18.39 Other retained organic fragments
- Z18.8 Other specified retained foreign bodyNon-billable
- Z18.81 Retained glass fragments
- Z18.83 Retained stone or crystalline fragments
- Z18.89 Other specified retained foreign body fragments
- Z18.9 Retained foreign body fragments, unspecified material
About the Z18 Code Range
These codes describe pieces of foreign material that remain in the body, such as a splinter in the face.
Z18 is organized by material: radioactive fragments, metal, plastic, and organic material. Separate subdivisions cover another specified retained foreign body and fragments whose material is unspecified. The subdivisions distinguish material, not body site.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the Z18 range?
Of the 19 codes in this range, 14 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 Z18 range classify?
The range classifies retained foreign body fragments. 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.
