ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for ear external anomaly
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Anomaly, anomalous (congenital) (unspecified type) › ear (external)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding ear external anomaly
The ICD-10-CM code for ear external anomaly is Q17.9 (Congenital malformation of ear, unspecified). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on Q17.9.
Within Q17, choose Q17.9 (Congenital malformation of ear, unspecified) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: accessory auricle (Q17.0), Macrotia (Q17.1), Microtia (Q17.2), other misshapen ear (Q17.3), Misplaced ear (Q17.4), prominent ear (Q17.5) and other specified congenital malformations of ear (Q17.8).
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.
More specific ear external anomaly codes (official index)
- causing impairment of hearing Q16.9 — Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified
- inner Q16.5 — Congenital malformation of inner ear
- middle (causing impairment of hearing) Q16.4 — Other congenital malformations of middle ear
- ossicles Q16.3 — Congenital malformation of ear ossicles
Common questions about ear external anomaly ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for ear external anomaly?
- Q17.9 — Congenital malformation of ear, unspecified. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: Q16.9, Q16.5, Q16.4, Q16.3.
What is the ICD-10 code for causing impairment of hearing ear external anomaly?
- Q16.9 — Congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified.
What is the ICD-10 code for inner ear external anomaly?
- Q16.5 — Congenital malformation of inner ear.
What is the ICD-10 code for middle ear external anomaly?
- Q16.4 — Other congenital malformations of middle ear.
What is the ICD-10 code for ossicles ear external anomaly?
- Q16.3 — Congenital malformation of ear ossicles.
Is Q17.9 billable?
- Yes. Q17.9 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Q17.9 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q17.9 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Q17.9 a CC or MCC?
- No. Q17.9 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.