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ICD-10/Z18

Z18 ICD-10-CM Code: Retained foreign body fragments

Billing Status: NO. This is a clinician non-billable / parent hierarchy grouping in the ICD-10-CM system.

Code Set: Valid FY2026 and FY2027. FY2026 took effect October 1, 2025.

Official Registry Overview & Definition

Retained foreign body fragments is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (Z18). A more specific billable subcode must be selected for claims submission.

Official Tabular Instructional Notes

Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for Z18 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.

Includes

Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.

  • embedded fragment (status)
  • embedded splinter (status)
  • retained foreign body status

Excludes1 — Not Coded Here

Conditions that can never be reported with this code; the two are mutually exclusive.

  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance

Can Z18 be billed directly?

No. Z18 (Retained foreign body fragments) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code. A more specific billable subcode must be selected based on clinical documentation.

Nearest Codes in This Family

Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to Z18 in its code family, with their registry titles.

  • 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