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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

Z18Retained foreign body fragments

Not billable — use a more specific code

Z18 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About Z18

Z18 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for retained foreign body fragments. It belongs to block Z18 (retained foreign body fragments) and chapter 21 (factors influencing health status and contact with health services). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: Z18.0 (fragments), Z18.1 (fragments), Z18.2 (fragments), Z18.3 (fragments), Z18.8 (body) and Z18.9 (unspecified material).

Don't report Z18 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: 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.-) and 4 more.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under Z18

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category
  • embedded fragment (status)
  • embedded splinter (status)
  • retained foreign body status
Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • 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

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to Z18.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 21: Factors influencing health status and contact with health services.

Codes whose notes reference Z18

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about Z18

Is Z18 billable?

No. Z18 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.