ICD-10 code for ear distortion

The ICD-10-CM code for ear distortion is Q17.3 (Other misshapen ear). The official index lists 3 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q17.3.

Within Q17, choose Q17.3 (Other misshapen ear) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: accessory auricle (Q17.0), Macrotia (Q17.1), Microtia (Q17.2), Misplaced ear (Q17.4), prominent ear (Q17.5), other specified congenital malformations of ear (Q17.8) and congenital malformation of ear, unspecified (Q17.9).

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.