2025 ICD-10-CM code T18
(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 alimentary tract.Excludes foreign bodies in the pharynx.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure (e.g., location, complexity).Refer to the official modifier guidelines for details.
The medical necessity for coding T18 stems from the presence of a foreign body in the alimentary tract, posing a potential risk to the patient's health. This necessitates diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to manage the condition and alleviate symptoms.
The clinical responsibility involves identifying and managing the foreign body in the alimentary tract, which may include various diagnostic procedures (e.g., imaging, endoscopy) and therapeutic interventions (e.g., removal of the foreign body).Appropriate documentation of the type of foreign body, its location, and the methods used for its removal or management is crucial.
- 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 is used when a foreign object is found in someone's digestive system (esophagus, stomach, or intestines). It does not include objects stuck in the throat.
This code classifies the presence of a foreign body within the alimentary tract, encompassing the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.It excludes foreign bodies located in the pharynx (T17.2-).
Example 1: A child accidentally swallows a small toy part, resulting in its lodgement in the esophagus.The code T18 is used to reflect the presence of the foreign body., An adult experiences abdominal pain and discomfort due to a swallowed fish bone that becomes embedded in the intestinal wall. This situation necessitates the use of T18 to document the foreign body., A patient presents with symptoms consistent with a foreign object in their stomach.Endoscopy reveals a small coin lodged in the stomach. The code T18 is used to reflect this situation.A further code could be utilized to describe the complications such as perforation or obstruction.
Detailed medical records should include the type and size of the foreign body, its exact location within the alimentary tract, the patient's symptoms, and the method used for diagnosis and management.Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans) and endoscopic findings should be documented to support the coding.
** The seventh character (A, D, S) should be appended to the code based on the encounter (initial, subsequent, sequela).
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Emergency Room