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ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code

0991XZXDrainage of Left External Ear, External Approach, Diagnostic

✓ Valid for 2027

Code unchanged since ICD-10-PCS took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-PCS release from CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About 0991XZX

0991XZX is the ICD-10-PCS code for a drainage procedure on the left external ear using an external approach (qualifier: diagnostic). In ICD-10-PCS, drainage means taking or letting out fluids and/or gases from a body part.

In plain terms, this corresponds to biopsy of external ear, the ICD-9-CM procedure title it maps to (18.12).

For a different body part, codes include 0990XZX (right external ear), 0993XZX (right external auditory canal), 0994XZX (left external auditory canal) and 099KXZX (nasal mucosa and soft tissue).

The same procedure with a different approach is coded 09910ZX (open), 09913ZX (percutaneous) and 09914ZX (percutaneous endoscopic).

It doesn't appear in the MS-DRG procedure index, so on its own it doesn't change the DRG assignment.

It has been valid since ICD-10-PCS took effect on October 1, 2015.

What each character means

1. Section
0Medical and Surgical
2. Body System
9Ear, Nose, Sinus
3. Operation
9Drainage

Taking or letting out fluids and/or gases from a body part

The qualifier DIAGNOSTIC is used to identify drainage procedures that are biopsies

Includes: Thoracentesis, incision and drainage

4. Body Part
1External Ear, Left
5. Approach
XExternal

Procedures performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane and procedures performed indirectly by the application of external force through the skin or mucous membrane

6. Device
ZNo Device
7. Qualifier
XDiagnostic

Other versions of this procedure

Different qualifier

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • 18.12Biopsy of external earapproximate

From the CMS 2018 General Equivalence Mappings (GEMs), the final GEMs release.

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about 0991XZX

Is 0991XZX a valid ICD-10-PCS code for 2027?

Yes. 0991XZX is valid for inpatient procedures from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

What is the ICD-9 procedure code for 0991XZX?

The CMS GEMs map 0991XZX to ICD-9-CM 18.12 (Biopsy of external ear).