2025 ICD-10-CM code Z18.12
Retained nonmagnetic metal fragments. This code is used to indicate the presence of nonmagnetic metal fragments retained in the body.
Modifiers are typically not applicable to Z codes.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of the retained fragments and their potential impact on the patient's health, including pain, infection, or other complications.
Documenting the presence and characteristics of the retained fragments, monitoring for complications, and determining appropriate management.
- Chapter 21: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services (Z00-Z99)
- Retained foreign body fragments (Z18-Z18.9)
In simple words: This code indicates that pieces of metal that don't stick to magnets are still inside the body, often after an old injury or surgery.
The presence of retained nonmagnetic metal fragments in a patient's body, typically following a prior injury or procedure.This code indicates a status, not an active process or injury.
Example 1: A patient presents with ongoing discomfort following a previous shrapnel injury. Imaging reveals retained nonmagnetic metal fragments in the soft tissue., During a surgical procedure, a nonmagnetic metal fragment from a previous injury is discovered incidentally., A patient undergoes imaging for an unrelated issue, which reveals retained nonmagnetic metal fragments from a childhood injury.
Documentation of the type and location of the retained fragments, imaging reports, and any associated symptoms or complications.If discovered during surgery, operative report documentation is required.
** Excludes1: retained radioactive metal fragments (Z18.01-Z18.09). This code is exempt from the Present on Admission (POA) reporting requirement.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable
- Specialties:Surgery, Radiology, any specialty managing the underlying condition or related symptoms.
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office, other places of service depending upon the clinical scenario.