Regarding pre-MRI screening orbit x-rays, certain ICD-10-CM codes are appropriate

Q.

Regarding pre-MRI screening orbit x-rays – we keep getting denials for using ICD-10-CM code T15.90XA due to being unspecified. Do you know what other codes might be appropriate? Would diagnosis code Z18.10 be a proper coding choice for this?

The codes and full descriptions are as follows:

T15.90XA  Foreign body on external eye, part unspecified, unspecified eye, initial encounter

Z18.10  Retained metal fragments, unspecified

A.

You may experience a denial regardless of the diagnosis code you use as this is often considered a screening exam. You should report the diagnosis that is specific to the patient. If you know they have retained metal fragments, then code Z18.10 would be appropriate. But if it is just suspected that there may be metal fragments, then a diagnosis code from the Z03.82- section could be more appropriate. 

As always, other codes might be appropriate depending on the patient’s specific circumstances.