2025 ICD-10-CM code Z18.01
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Factors influencing health status and contact with health services - Retained foreign body fragments Chapter 21: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services Feed
This ICD-10-CM code signifies the presence of retained depleted uranium fragments within the body.
Medical necessity for coding Z18.01 depends on the clinical presentation. If symptoms are present, or potential complications exist from the retained fragments, the code is medically necessary. Otherwise, it is used to document the presence of the fragments and may require a clinical decision regarding further evaluation and potential intervention.
The clinical responsibility depends on the specific circumstances.It may involve physicians specializing in surgery, radiology, or nuclear medicine depending on the location, nature of the fragment and the need for treatment.
- Chapter 21: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
- Z18-Z18.9: Retained foreign body fragments
In simple words: This code means that pieces of depleted uranium are still inside someone's body.It's used when this is affecting their health, even if it's not causing an illness or injury right now.
ICD-10-CM code Z18.01, "Retained depleted uranium fragments," is used to classify the presence of depleted uranium fragments remaining in a patient's body after an incident or procedure.This code indicates a circumstance influencing health status but not a current illness or injury in itself.It is crucial to note that a procedure code should accompany this Z code if any procedure is performed to address the retained fragments.
Example 1: A patient presents following a military conflict with retained depleted uranium fragments lodged in the soft tissues of the arm. The fragments are asymptomatic. Z18.01 is coded for the encounter. Imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans help define the extent and location of the fragments. , A patient presents with a history of depleted uranium exposure during industrial work. Imaging studies reveal small fragments embedded near the joint. Z18.01 is recorded.Consultation with a surgeon is sought to evaluate the clinical significance of the retained fragments., A patient undergoing a surgical procedure for the removal of retained depleted uranium fragments requires a procedure code in addition to Z18.01 to fully reflect the services rendered.
Detailed patient history regarding the exposure to depleted uranium.Imaging reports (X-rays, CT scans) clearly showing the location, size, and number of retained fragments.Reports of any associated symptoms or complications.Surgical or intervention notes if any procedures are performed.
** This code is used to document the presence of retained depleted uranium fragments, even in the absence of current symptoms.The presence of these fragments can significantly impact a patient's long-term health and requires ongoing monitoring.Careful consideration should be given to the possibility of long-term health effects when determining the necessity for ongoing evaluation and treatment.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Surgery, Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Occupational Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center