T56 – Toxic effect of metals

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code T56

Code: T56 (claims format: T56)
Description: Toxic effect of metals
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 19. Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
Block: T51-T65 Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source

Billable codes under T56

T56 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

T56.0 – Toxic effects of lead and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.1 – Toxic effects of mercury and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.2 – Toxic effects of chromium and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.3 – Toxic effects of cadmium and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.4 – Toxic effects of copper and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.5 – Toxic effects of zinc and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.6 – Toxic effects of tin and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.7 – Toxic effects of beryllium and its compoundsHeader (more codes below)
T56.8 – Toxic effects of other metalsHeader (more codes below)
T56.9 – Toxic effects of unspecified metalHeader (more codes below)

7th character values

Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care (use placeholder X for empty positions).

Character	Meaning
`A`	initial encounter
`D`	subsequent encounter
`S`	sequela

Notes for T56

Includes:

toxic effects of fumes and vapors of metals
toxic effects of metals from all sources, except medicinal substances

Excludes1 (not coded here):

arsenic and its compounds (T57.0)
manganese and its compounds (T57.2)

Use additional code:

code to identify any retained metal foreign body, if applicable (Z18.0-, T18.1-)

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T56

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

Block T51-T65

Excludes1 (not coded here):

contact with and (suspected) exposure to toxic substances (Z77.-)

Use additional code:

code(s):
for all associated manifestations of toxic effect, such as: respiratory conditions due to external agents (J60-J70)
personal history of foreign body fully removed (Z87.821)
to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)

Notes:

When no intent is indicated code to accidental. Undetermined intent is only for use when there is specific documentation in the record that the intent of the toxic effect cannot be determined.

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code T56?

T56 is the ICD-10-CM code for toxic effect of metals, in the block T51-T65 (Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source).

Is T56 a billable code?

No. T56 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.