T15
Header — not billableForeign body on external eye
The ICD-10 code for foreign body on external eye is T15.
T15 is a non-billable header code. It groups related conditions but cannot be used on its own for reimbursement — select one of the 4 more specific codes below.
Clinical notes
Excludes2 (not included here)
An Excludes2 note means the excluded condition is not part of this one, but a patient can have both at the same time — in that case both codes may be reported together.
- foreign body in penetrating wound of orbit and eye ball (S05.4-, S05.5-)
- open wound of eyelid and periocular area (S01.1-)
- retained foreign body in eyelid (H02.8-)
- retained (old) foreign body in penetrating wound of orbit and eye ball (H05.5-, H44.6-, H44.7-)
- superficial foreign body of eyelid and periocular area (S00.25-)
7th character definitions
These definitions specify what each valid 7th-character value means for codes in this category.
- [object Object]
7th character note
This category requires a 7th character to indicate additional clinical detail (e.g. encounter type: initial, subsequent, sequela). The code is incomplete without it.
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T15
Documentation support
General coding-documentation guidance — not a substitute for payer-specific requirements or professional coding judgment.
- •This is a non-billable header code. Documentation must support a more specific child code before this diagnosis can be reported on a claim.
- •This category requires a 7th character. Documentation should clearly indicate the episode of care (initial encounter, subsequent encounter, or sequela).
- •As a general rule, code to the highest level of specificity supported by the documentation in the medical record.