Effects of foreign body entering through natural orifice
ICD-10 Codes (0)
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Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (2)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for T18-T18 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The T18-T18 range in the ICD-10 classification system is dedicated to the effects of a foreign body entering through a natural orifice. These codes are used to document instances where a foreign object has been accidentally ingested, inhaled, or otherwise entered the body through an orifice such as the mouth, nose, ear, or anus. The codes in this range cover a variety of scenarios, including the type of foreign body, the orifice through which it entered, and any complications or injuries that resulted.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always specify the type of foreign body, the orifice it entered through, and any resulting injuries or complications.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions or complications.
- •If the foreign body was intentionally inserted, use a code from the T17-T19 range instead.
- •If the foreign body was swallowed, use a code from the T18.0-T18.9 subcategory.
- •If the foreign body entered through the ear, use a code from the T16 category.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient accidentally swallows a foreign object.
- ✓When a patient accidentally inhales a foreign object.
- ✓When a foreign object accidentally enters the body through the nose or ear.
- ✓When a foreign object accidentally enters the body through the anus.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When the foreign body was intentionally inserted.
- ✗When the foreign body entered through a surgical wound or other non-natural opening.
- ✗When the foreign body is still outside the body.
- ✗When the foreign body has been completely removed without causing any injuries or complications.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the patient's medical record and the official ICD-10 guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
When documenting a case involving a foreign body entering through a natural orifice, it's essential to provide detailed, accurate information about the incident. This includes the type of foreign body, the orifice it entered through, any resulting injuries or complications, and any associated conditions or complications.
Clinical Information:
- •Type of foreign body
- •Orifice the foreign body entered through
- •Any resulting injuries or complications
- •Any associated conditions or complications
- •Whether the foreign body was intentionally inserted
Supporting Evidence:
- •Patient's medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Imaging studies
- •Surgical reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient accidentally swallowed a coin. X-ray shows the coin in the stomach. Patient is experiencing abdominal pain.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient swallowed a foreign object.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the type of foreign body
- ⚠Not specifying the orifice the foreign body entered through
- ⚠Not documenting any resulting injuries or complications
- ⚠Not documenting any associated conditions or complications
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for the effects of a foreign body entering through a natural orifice can be moderately complex. This is due to the need to accurately identify the type of foreign body, the orifice it entered through, any resulting injuries or complications, and any associated conditions or complications. Additionally, it's important to determine whether the foreign body was intentionally inserted, as this would require a different code.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the type of foreign body
- ▸Identifying the orifice the foreign body entered through
- ▸Documenting any resulting injuries or complications
- ▸Identifying any associated conditions or complications
- ▸Determining whether the foreign body was intentionally inserted
Specialty Focus
The T18-T18 range is most commonly used by emergency medicine physicians, gastroenterologists, pulmonologists, and otolaryngologists. These specialists often encounter patients who have accidentally ingested, inhaled, or otherwise allowed a foreign body to enter their body through a natural orifice.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A child accidentally swallows a toy part.
- • A patient accidentally inhales a peanut.
- • A toddler inserts a bead into their nose.
- • A patient accidentally swallows a toothpick.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for medical coders working with the T18-T18 range. These include the official ICD-10 guidelines, clinical reference sources, and educational materials.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- World Health Organization's ICD-10 Browser
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's ICD-10-CM Browser Tool
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Pediatrics' Foreign Body Ingestion Guidelines
- American College of Emergency Physicians' Foreign Body Removal Guidelines
Educational Materials:
- American Health Information Management Association's ICD-10 Training Materials
- American Academy of Professional Coders' ICD-10 Training Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the type of foreign body is unknown?
If the type of foreign body is unknown, use the unspecified code for the orifice it entered through.
What if the foreign body entered through more than one orifice?
If the foreign body entered through more than one orifice, use multiple codes to document each orifice involved.