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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

Z18.8Other specified retained foreign body

Not billable — use a more specific code

Z18.8 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 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 Z18.8

Z18.8 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other specified retained foreign body. It belongs to category Z18 (retained foreign body fragments), 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 3 subcodes must be used instead.

Within Z18, choose Z18.8 (Other specified retained foreign body) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: retained radioactive fragments (Z18.0), retained metal fragments (Z18.1), retained plastic fragments (Z18.2), retained organic fragments (Z18.3) and unspecified material (Z18.9).

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: Z18.81 (fragments), Z18.83 (fragments) and Z18.89 (fragments).

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 Z18.8

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to Z18.8.

› From Z18 Retained foreign body fragments
Includes
  • embedded fragment (status)
  • embedded splinter (status)
  • retained foreign body status
Excludes1
  • 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

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

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 Z18.8

Is Z18.8 billable?

No. Z18.8 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.