ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for fragments retained
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Retained › fragments (type of )”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding fragments retained
The ICD-10-CM code for fragments retained is Z18.9 (Retained foreign body fragments, unspecified material). The official index lists 23 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Z18.9.
Within Z18, choose Z18.9 (unspecified material) 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 other specified retained foreign body (Z18.8).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 951 (Other Factors Influencing Health Status, relative weight 0.5577), in MDC 23 (Factors Influencing Health Status and Other Contacts with Health Services), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
More specific fragments retained codes (official index)
- acrylics Z18.2 — Retained plastic fragments
- animal quill (s) or spines Z18.31 — Retained animal quills or spines
- cement Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments
- concrete Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments
- crystalline Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments
- depleted isotope Z18.09 — Other retained radioactive fragments
- depleted uranium Z18.01 — Retained depleted uranium fragments
- diethylhexyl phthalates Z18.2 — Retained plastic fragments
- glass Z18.81 — Retained glass fragments
- isocyanate Z18.2 — Retained plastic fragments
- magnetic metal Z18.11 — Retained magnetic metal fragments
- metal Z18.10 — Retained metal fragments, unspecified
- nonmagnectic metal Z18.12 — Retained nonmagnetic metal fragments
- nontherapeutic radioactive Z18.09 — Other retained radioactive fragments
- organic NEC Z18.39 — Other retained organic fragments
- plastic Z18.2 — Retained plastic fragments
- quill (s) (animal) Z18.31 — Retained animal quills or spines
- radioactive (nontherapeutic) NEC Z18.09 — Other retained radioactive fragments
- specified NEC Z18.89 — Other specified retained foreign body fragments
- spine (s) (animal) Z18.31 — Retained animal quills or spines
- stone Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments
- tooth (teeth) Z18.32 — Retained tooth
- wood Z18.33 — Retained wood fragments
Common questions about fragments retained ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for fragments retained?
- Z18.9 — Retained foreign body fragments, unspecified material. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Z18.2, Z18.31, Z18.83, Z18.83 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for acrylics fragments retained?
- Z18.2 — Retained plastic fragments.
What is the ICD-10 code for animal quill or spines fragments retained?
- Z18.31 — Retained animal quills or spines.
What is the ICD-10 code for cement fragments retained?
- Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments.
What is the ICD-10 code for concrete fragments retained?
- Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments.
What is the ICD-10 code for crystalline fragments retained?
- Z18.83 — Retained stone or crystalline fragments.
What is the ICD-10 code for depleted isotope fragments retained?
- Z18.09 — Other retained radioactive fragments.
Is Z18.9 billable?
- Yes. Z18.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Z18.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- No. It is not acceptable as the principal diagnosis for an inpatient stay; it may be reported as a secondary diagnosis.
Is Z18.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. Z18.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.