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ICD-10-CM 2027

ICD-10 code for ear corrosion

T20.41

Corrosion of unspecified degree of ear [any part, except ear drum]

Header — needs a more specific code

From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Corrosion (injury) (acid) (caustic) (chemical) (lime) (external) (internal) › ear (auricle) (external) (canal)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.

About coding ear corrosion

The ICD-10-CM code for ear corrosion is T20.41 (Corrosion of unspecified degree of ear [any part, except ear drum]). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on T20.41.

Within T20.4 (corrosion of unspecified degree of head, face, and neck), T20.41 is specifically for corrosion of unspecified degree of ear [any part, except ear drum]. Related codes cover unspecified site (T20.40), lip(s) (T20.42), chin (T20.43), nose (septum) (T20.44), scalp [any part] (T20.45), forehead and cheek (T20.46), neck (T20.47) and multiple sites of head, face, and neck (T20.49).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of T20.41, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: corrosion of ear drum (T28.91-).

More specific ear corrosion codes (official index)

  • drum T28.91 — Corrosions of ear drum
  • first degree T20.51 — Corrosion of first degree of ear [any part, except ear drum]
  • second degree T20.61 — Corrosion of second degree of ear [any part, except ear drum]
  • third degree T20.71 — Corrosion of third degree of ear [any part, except ear drum]

Common questions about ear corrosion ICD-10 codes

What is the ICD-10 code for ear corrosion?

T20.41 — Corrosion of unspecified degree of ear [any part, except ear drum] (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: T28.91, T20.51, T20.61, T20.71.

What is the ICD-10 code for drum ear corrosion?

T28.91 — Corrosions of ear drum (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

What is the ICD-10 code for first degree ear corrosion?

T20.51 — Corrosion of first degree of ear [any part, except ear drum] (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

What is the ICD-10 code for second degree ear corrosion?

T20.61 — Corrosion of second degree of ear [any part, except ear drum] (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

What is the ICD-10 code for third degree ear corrosion?

T20.71 — Corrosion of third degree of ear [any part, except ear drum] (header code; choose a more specific subcode).

Is T20.41 billable?

No. T20.41 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.