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    OpenPayerBilling CodesEffects of foreign body entering through natural orificeICD-10-CM t16-foreign-body-in-ear
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    ICD-10-CM Code For Foreign Body In Ear: Group Overview

    The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code group T16 includes diagnoses for foreign bodies in the ear, covering items lodged in the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, or middle ear and their immediate effects. These ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes are used to document clinical encounters where a foreign object has entered the ear, capturing location, complications, and any resulting injury or infection. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-CM T16 group supports proper claim adjudication, complete clinical documentation, and appropriate reimbursement.

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    ICD-10-CM T16: Foreign Body In Ear Overview

    The ICD-10-CM T16 group captures diagnoses for foreign bodies lodged in the external auditory canal or middle ear after entering through a natural orifice. These codes target the ear and adjacent structures and are used to describe the presence and effects of foreign material in the auditory system. Accurate coding matters for proper claim adjudication and to reflect clinical complexity that can affect treatment and follow-up.

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    When to Use

    Use a code from this group when a clinical encounter documents a foreign object in the ear or resulting injury from a foreign body in the ear. Select the code that reflects the specific location and any associated complications documented by the clinician.

    ICD-10-CM Codes

    9 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    T16.1XXAForeign body in right ear, initial encounter
    T16.1XXDForeign body in right ear, subsequent encounter
    T16.1XXSForeign body in right ear, sequela
    T16.2XXAForeign body in left ear, initial encounter
    T16.2XXDForeign body in left ear, subsequent encounter
    T16.2XXSForeign body in left ear, sequela
    T16.9XXAForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, initial encounter
    T16.9XXDForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, subsequent encounter
    T16.9XXSForeign body in ear, unspecified ear, sequela

    DRG Codes

    7 rows

    DRG CodeDescription
    154Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC
    155Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC
    156Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC
    913Traumatic Injury with MCC
    914Traumatic Injury without MCC
    949Aftercare with CC/MCC
    950Aftercare without CC/MCC

    Typical Clinical Scenarios

    • A toddler presents to the urgent care after parents notice sudden ear pain and hearing disturbance; on exam a small bead is visualized lodged in the external auditory canal causing local irritation but no signs of perforation. The child requires removal in clinic under restraint or mild sedation, and the diagnosis is assigned for a foreign body in the ear discovered and treated in an acute visit. Typical codes: T16.1XXA, T16.1XXS
    • An elderly nursing home resident with dementia is seen by outpatient ENT for persistent ear discomfort and recurrent otorrhea; otoscopic exam reveals retained cerumen surrounding a previously unnoticed insect carcass in the ear canal causing chronic inflammation. The visit documents an ongoing problem from a foreign object causing chronic symptoms and the code is used to capture a sequela or ongoing care encounter. Typical codes: T16.1XXD, T16.1XXS
    • A teenager arrives at the emergency department after attempting self-removal of a lodged cotton swab head, resulting in a traumatic tympanic membrane perforation and acute otalgia. The ED documents initial encounter for the foreign body causing complication and arranges ENT follow-up for repair, so an initial encounter code for foreign body in ear is assigned. Typical codes: T16.2XXA, T16.2XXS

    Related Codes

    T15-FOREIGN-BODY-ON-EXTERNAL-EYE

    ICD-10-CM Code For Foreign Body On External Eye: Group Overview

    T17-FOREIGN-BODY-IN-RESPIRATORY-TRACT

    ICD-10-CM Code For Foreign Body In Respiratory Tract: Group Overview

    T18-FOREIGN-BODY-IN-ALIMENTARY-TRACT

    ICD-10-CM Code For Foreign Body In Alimentary Tract: Group Overview

    T19-FOREIGN-BODY-IN-GENITOURINARY-TRACT

    ICD-10-CM Code For Foreign Body In Genitourinary Tract: Group Overview

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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