Retained plastic fragments

This code signifies the presence of plastic foreign material remaining within the body following an injury or medical procedure. This could include fragments from various plastic objects, such as toys, medical devices, or other environmental sources. The retained fragment may or may not be causing symptoms.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates that plastic foreign material is still present in a patient's body. This is applicable whether the fragment was introduced traumatically (e.g., from an accident) or iatrogenically (e.g., a broken catheter tip). It should be used when the presence of the retained plastic is a current diagnostic finding.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when the primary reason for the encounter is related to the retained fragment (e.g., pain, infection, or removal attempt).
• Specify the anatomical location of the retained fragment using an additional diagnosis code if available and clinically relevant.
• Do not use this code if the plastic foreign body has been successfully removed and is no longer present.