ICD-10-CM Z18: Retained foreign body fragments

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code (2025)

Official Description for Z18

Retained foreign body fragments

Coding Notes & Guidelines for Z18

Includes Notes
  • embedded fragment (status)
  • embedded splinter (status)
  • retained foreign body status
Excludes1: Not Coded Here
  • 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
Excludes1: Not Coded Here

retained radioactive metal fragments (Z18.01-Z18.09)

Inclusion Terms
  • Other retained depleted isotope fragments
  • Retained nontherapeutic radioactive fragments
Inclusion Terms

Retained metal fragment NOS

Inclusion Terms
  • Acrylics fragments
  • Diethylhexyl phthalates fragments
  • Isocyanate fragments
Inclusion Terms

Retained concrete or cement fragments

Child Codes (More Specific Codes for 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

About ICD-10-CM Code Z18 (Retained foreign body fragments)

ICD-10-CM code Z18 is a billable or specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2025 edition of ICD-10-CM Z18 became effective on October 1, 2024.

This page provides detailed information about Z18 - Retained foreign body fragments. It includes common terminology, coding guidelines such as "Includes," "Excludes1," and "Excludes2" notes, and information on required 7th characters. Utilizing this information correctly is essential for accurate medical coding and claims submission for conditions like Retained foreign body fragments.