ICD-10 H02.81
Non-Billable HeaderRetained foreign body in eyelid
About ICD-10-CM H02.81
ICD-10-CM code H02.81 represents Retained foreign body in eyelid. This is a non-billable header code in the Eye and Adnexa chapter (block H02). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM H02.81 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with H02.81. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- laceration of eyelid with foreign body (S01.12-)
- retained intraocular foreign body (H44.6-, H44.7-)
- superficial foreign body of eyelid and periocular area (S00.25-)
Use Additional Code
When coding H02.81, also report these additional codes when applicable.
- code to identify the type of retained foreign body (Z18.-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for H02.81
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list H02.81 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing H02.81.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but H02.81 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with H02.81
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To H02.81
Other codes in section H00-H05 (Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal system and orbit).
ICD-10 H02.81, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code H02.81 billable? +
No, H02.81 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block H02 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for H02.81? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with H02.81): laceration of eyelid with foreign body (S01.12-); retained intraocular foreign body (H44.6-, H44.7-); superficial foreign body of eyelid and periocular area (S00.25-)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on June 1, 2026.
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