ICD-10 code for ear canal stricture

The ICD-10-CM code for ear canal stricture is Q16.1 (Congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external)).

Within Q16 (congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing), Q16.1 is specifically for congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external). Related codes cover congenital absence of (ear) auricle (Q16.0), absence of eustachian tube (Q16.2), congenital malformation of ear ossicles (Q16.3), other congenital malformations of middle ear (Q16.4), congenital malformation of inner ear (Q16.5) and congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified (Q16.9).

It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.

In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 154 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5921), DRG 155 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9322) and DRG 156 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6659), in MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.