2025 ICD-10-CM code M79.5
Residual foreign body in soft tissue.
Medical necessity for treatment is based on the presence of the foreign body, associated symptoms impacting function or causing pain, and potential for complications (infection, further tissue damage).
Diagnosis is based on patient history, physical exam, and imaging (X-ray, MRI). Treatment includes pain medication (analgesics, NSAIDs) and potentially surgical removal.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- M79 Other and unspecified soft tissue disorders, not elsewhere classifiedM79.5 Residual foreign body in soft tissue.
In simple words: A foreign object, such as glass or metal, is stuck in your soft tissues after an injury.
This code represents a foreign object (like glass, metal, wood, etc.) lodged in soft tissues following an injury.It excludes foreign body granulomas (L92.3, M60.2-).
Example 1: A patient presents with persistent pain and inflammation in their hand after a fall where they landed on broken glass. An X-ray reveals a glass shard embedded in the soft tissue of the palm., A child complains of discomfort in their foot. Upon examination, a small splinter is found deeply embedded in the sole of the foot, causing localized swelling and redness., A metal worker experiences ongoing pain in their forearm after an accident at work.An MRI reveals a small metal fragment lodged in the muscle tissue, which requires surgical removal.
Documentation should include details of the injury, the presence and location of the foreign body (confirmed by imaging if possible), associated symptoms (pain, inflammation, etc.), and treatment provided.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital,Ambulatory Surgical Center,Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home