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T18.9
ICD-10-CM
Swallowed Foreign Body

Find comprehensive information on Swallowed Foreign Body diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare guidelines. Learn about symptoms, endoscopic procedures, ICD-10 codes (T18.1), CPT codes for foreign body removal, and best practices for accurate reporting and reimbursement. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and coding specialists, related to the management and documentation of ingested foreign objects. This resource provides essential information for accurate and efficient healthcare documentation and coding related to swallowed foreign bodies.

Also known as

Ingested Foreign Object
Foreign Body Ingestion

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Accidental ingestion of a non-food object.
  • Clinical Signs : Drooling, choking, gagging, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, abdominal pain.
  • Common Settings : Emergency Room, Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Otolaryngology.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC T18.9 Coding
T17

Foreign body in orifice

Covers foreign bodies entering body orifices, including swallowing.

T18

Foreign body entering through skin

Describes foreign bodies entering through skin, not ingestion.

K11

Diseases of esophagus

May be used if esophageal complications arise from the foreign body.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the foreign body in the digestive system?

  • Yes

    Specify location in digestive system

  • No

    Is the foreign body in the respiratory system?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Swallowed foreign body
Esophageal food impaction
Choking

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Swallowed foreign body: Document type, location, size, shape
  • Foreign body ingestion: Symptoms onset, duration, character
  • Esophageal foreign body: Imaging confirmation, location specifics
  • Airway foreign body: Respiratory distress signs, interventions
  • FB removal procedure: Method, complications, post-procedure plan

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Location

    Coding lacks specificity (e.g., esophagus, stomach) impacting DRG and reimbursement. CDI review crucial.

  • Procedure Coding Errors

    Inaccurate endoscopic removal codes, leading to underpayment or denials. Coder training essential.

  • Unconfirmed Diagnosis

    Symptoms documented without imaging confirmation, risking claim denial for insufficient evidence.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document FB size, shape, material for accurate ICD-10 coding (T18.1).
  • CDI: Query physician for clarity if FB location unclear for proper CPT coding.
  • Ensure timely endoscopic removal documentation for compliance, prevent complications.
  • X-ray confirmation crucial for diagnosis, avoid missed FB, optimize reimbursement.
  • Educate patients on choking hazards for prevention, reducing ER visits, healthcare costs.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm foreign body ingestion history, time, type.
  • Assess airway patency, respiratory distress signs.
  • Document object details size, shape, material, location.
  • Review imaging if obtained Xray, CT, endoscopy.
  • Evaluate for complications perforation, obstruction.

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Swallowed Foreign Body Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts physician payment, hospital case mix index, and outlier payments. Proper documentation crucial for appropriate APC assignment.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: FB removal time impacts patient safety indicators like length of stay, complications (perforation, obstruction). Accurate coding reflects quality of care.
  • Coding Accuracy: Correct ICD-10 (T18.1-), CPT (43020-43350) coding based on location, procedure, endoscopic/surgical approach maximizes reimbursement, avoids denials.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate FB diagnosis coding impacts quality reporting, cost accounting, and resource allocation for improved patient outcomes and hospital efficiency.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code FB location, e.g., esophagus
  • Document FB size/shape
  • Specify FB material if known
  • Check ICD-10 Excludes1 notes
  • Query physician if unclear

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with swallowed foreign body ingestion.  Symptoms include dysphagia, odynophagia, throat pain, chest pain, and sensation of a lump in the throat.  Onset of symptoms occurred approximately [timeframe] after ingesting [description of foreign body, if known, e.g., a fish bone, small toy part, coin].  Patient denies respiratory distress, although some coughing was noted initially.  Physical examination reveals [positive or negative findings, e.g., tenderness in the cervical region, localized edema, palpable mass].  Anterior neck soft tissues are [description, e.g., supple, without crepitus].  Airway is patent.  Vital signs are stable with heart rate [value] bpm, respiratory rate [value] breaths per minute, blood pressure [value], and oxygen saturation [value] on room air.  Differential diagnosis includes esophageal perforation, esophageal food bolus impaction, and GERD.  Imaging studies, such as a plain film X-ray of the neck and chest or CT scan of the neck, chest, and abdomen, are ordered to confirm the presence, location, and nature of the foreign body.  Treatment plan includes [options such as endoscopic removal, observation with serial X-rays, surgical consultation if indicated].  Patient education provided regarding potential complications, such as esophageal perforation or airway obstruction, and instructions for follow-up care.  ICD-10 code T18.1XXA, foreign body in esophagus, initial encounter, is assigned.  CPT codes will be determined based on the procedures performed.  The patient’s condition and treatment plan will be closely monitored.