ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code
09938ZXDrainage of Right External Auditory Canal, Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic, Diagnostic
Short description: Drainage of Right External Auditory Canal, Endo, Diagn
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 09938ZX
09938ZX is the ICD-10-PCS code for a drainage procedure on the right external auditory canal using a via natural or artificial opening endoscopic 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 09948ZX (left external auditory canal), 09958ZX (right middle ear), 09968ZX (left middle ear), 09978ZX (right tympanic membrane), 09988ZX (left tympanic membrane), 09998ZX (right auditory ossicle) and 20 more.
The same procedure with a different approach is coded 09930ZX (open), 09933ZX (percutaneous), 09934ZX (percutaneous endoscopic), 09937ZX (via natural or artificial opening) and 0993XZX (external).
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
- 3External Auditory Canal, Right
- 5. Approach
- 8Via Natural or Artificial Opening Endoscopic
Entry of instrumentation through a natural or artificial external opening to reach and visualize the site of the procedure
- 6. Device
- ZNo Device
- 7. Qualifier
- XDiagnostic
Other versions of this procedure
Different body part
- 09948ZXExternal Auditory Canal, Left
- 09958ZXMiddle Ear, Right
- 09968ZXMiddle Ear, Left
- 09978ZXTympanic Membrane, Right
- 09988ZXTympanic Membrane, Left
- 09998ZXAuditory Ossicle, Right
- 099A8ZXAuditory Ossicle, Left
- 099B8ZXMastoid Sinus, Right
- 099C8ZXMastoid Sinus, Left
- 099D8ZXInner Ear, Right
- 099E8ZXInner Ear, Left
- 099F8ZXEustachian Tube, Right
Different approach
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
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
- 2021
- 2022
- 2023
- 2024
- 2025
- 2026
- 2027
- FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
- No changes since FY2016.
Common questions about 09938ZX
Is 09938ZX a valid ICD-10-PCS code for 2027?
- Yes. 09938ZX is valid for inpatient procedures from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
What is the ICD-9 procedure code for 09938ZX?
- The CMS GEMs map 09938ZX to ICD-9-CM 18.12 (Biopsy of external ear).