2025 ICD-10-CM code T16.2
Foreign body in left ear.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a foreign body in the left ear that requires medical intervention for removal or management of complications. The documentation should support the need for the provided services.
The clinician is responsible for identifying and removing the foreign body, managing any associated complications like infections or injuries, and providing appropriate aftercare instructions.
- 19
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice (T15-T19)
In simple words: A foreign object is present in the left ear canal.
Foreign body in left ear. Includes: foreign body in auditory canal.
Example 1: A child presents to the emergency room after inserting a small toy into their left ear canal., An adult complains of ear pain and fullness after an insect crawled into their left ear., An elderly individual with impacted cerumen (earwax) in their left ear, which can also be coded as a foreign body.
Documentation should include details of the foreign body (if identifiable), the circumstances of its entry, any associated symptoms, the method of removal (if performed), and any complications or further management.
** For a foreign body in the right ear, use T16.1. For a foreign body in an unspecified ear, use T16.9.
- Specialties:Emergency Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Emergency Room - Hospital, Urgent Care Facility, Outpatient Hospital, Telehealth Provided in Patient’s Home, Telehealth Provided Other than in Patient’s Home