2025 ICD-10-CM code T16
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Injury - Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice (T15-T19) Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88) Feed
Foreign body in ear.This code is used to classify the presence of a foreign object in the ear.
Medical necessity for treatment of a foreign body in the ear is established by the presence of symptoms such as pain, hearing impairment, or infection.The need for removal of the foreign body depends on the nature of the object and the severity of the symptoms.Documentation of medical necessity should support the clinical indication for the procedure or treatment.
The clinical responsibility for this code lies with the physician or healthcare professional who diagnoses and treats the condition. This involves assessing the patient's symptoms, performing a thorough ear examination, removing the foreign body (if necessary), and managing any resulting complications.Post-procedure monitoring and follow-up care are also important aspects of the clinical responsibility.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- T15-T19 (Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice)
In simple words: This code means something is stuck in your ear.It could be anything from an insect to a small toy.Having something in your ear can cause hearing problems, pain, or dizziness.
This ICD-10-CM code, T16, signifies the presence of a foreign body within the ear.This includes foreign objects located in the auditory canal or ear conch. The presence of a foreign body in the ear can lead to various symptoms, such as decreased hearing acuity, pain, a sensation of pressure, and potentially dizziness.Further specification may be needed to indicate the location (right or left ear) and the nature of the foreign body (if known).
Example 1: A child presents to the emergency department with a pea lodged in their right ear, causing pain and muffled hearing. The physician removes the pea, and the symptoms resolve.Code T16.1 is used., An adult reports experiencing discomfort and decreased hearing in their left ear.Examination reveals a small insect trapped in the ear canal. The healthcare professional removes the insect, and the patient's symptoms improve.Code T16.2 is used., A patient presents with chronic ear pain and inflammation.Imaging studies reveal a small piece of plastic embedded in the ear, which was not removed during a previous examination. The physician removes the plastic and initiates treatment for the inflammation. Codes T16.9 and additional codes to specify inflammation would be used.
Detailed documentation should include the patient's symptoms (e.g., pain, hearing loss, dizziness), the location of the foreign body (right, left, or unspecified ear), description of the foreign body, the method of removal (if applicable), and any complications (e.g., infection, perforation).Pre- and post-procedure assessments should be documented.
** The selection of the appropriate T16 code (T16.1, T16.2, T16.9) depends on the precise location of the foreign body in the ear.If the laterality of the foreign body cannot be determined or is unspecified, T16.9 should be used.Always cross-reference with official coding guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Otolaryngology, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility