Z18 Retained foreign body fragments

⚠ Non-Billable ICD-10-CM 2026
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The ICD-10-CM code for Retained foreign body fragments is Z18 (FY2026). It is a non-billable category code — select a more specific code below for claims.

Classification

Section
Z18: Retained foreign body fragments (Z18)
Category Z18
19 codes (14 billable)
FY2026 Status
Stable since FY2024
Includes
  • embedded fragment (status)
  • embedded splinter (status)
  • retained foreign body status
Excludes1
Not coded here. These conditions should NOT be coded together with Z18.
  • artificial joint prosthesis status (Z96.6-)
  • foreign body accidentally left during a procedure (T81.5-)
  • foreign body entering through orifice (T15-T19)
  • in situ cardiac device (Z95.-)
  • organ or tissue replaced by means other than transplant (Z96.-, Z97.-)
  • organ or tissue replaced by transplant (Z94.-)
  • personal history of retained foreign body fully removed Z87.821
  • superficial foreign body (non-embedded splinter) - code to superficial foreign body, by site

Official Coding Guidelines

Z18 listed as a status Z code/category

Z18 Retained foreign body fragments

— ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026, Section I.C.21.c.7
Used with any code in range A00.0-T88.9, Z00-Z99

1) Used with any code in the range of A00.0-T88.9, Z00-Z99 An external cause code may be used with any code in the range of A00.0-T88.9, Z00-Z99, classification that represents a health condition due to an external cause. Though they are most applicable to injuries, they are also valid for use with such things as infections or diseases due to an external source, and other health conditions, such as a heart attack that occurs during strenuous physical activity.

— ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026, Section I.C.20.a.1

Source: CMS — ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY2026

References

Related Codes

More Specific Codes

Z18.0 Retained radioactive fragments Z18.01 Retained depleted uranium fragments Z18.09 Other retained radioactive fragments Z18.1 Retained metal fragments Z18.10 Retained metal fragments, unspecified Z18.11 Retained magnetic metal fragments Z18.12 Retained nonmagnetic metal fragments Z18.2 Retained plastic fragments Z18.3 Retained organic fragments Z18.31 Retained animal quills or spines Z18.32 Retained tooth Z18.33 Retained wood fragments Z18.39 Other retained organic fragments Z18.8 Other specified retained foreign body Z18.81 Retained glass fragments Z18.83 Retained stone or crystalline fragments Z18.89 Other specified retained foreign body fragments Z18.9 Retained foreign body fragments, unspecified material

Related Codes in Z18

Z18.0 Retained radioactive fragments Z18.01 Retained depleted uranium fragments Z18.09 Other retained radioactive fragments Z18.1 Retained metal fragments Z18.10 Retained metal fragments, unspecified Z18.11 Retained magnetic metal fragments Z18.12 Retained nonmagnetic metal fragments Z18.2 Retained plastic fragments Z18.3 Retained organic fragments Z18.31 Retained animal quills or spines Z18.32 Retained tooth Z18.33 Retained wood fragments Z18.39 Other retained organic fragments Z18.8 Other specified retained foreign body Z18.81 Retained glass fragments Z18.83 Retained stone or crystalline fragments Z18.89 Other specified retained foreign body fragments Z18.9 Retained foreign body fragments, unspecified material
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Reviewed by Prajwal Shrestha, CPC, CRC
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) · AAPC Member ID 01997614 · About · Editorial policy · Content last reviewed: 2025-10-01

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