ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code
09940ZXDrainage of Left External Auditory Canal, Open Approach, Diagnostic
Short description: Drainage of L Ext Auditory Canal, Open Approach, 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 09940ZX
09940ZX is the ICD-10-PCS code for a drainage procedure on the left external auditory canal using an open 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 09900ZX (right external ear), 09910ZX (left external ear), 09930ZX (right external auditory canal), 09950ZX (right middle ear), 09960ZX (left middle ear), 09970ZX (right tympanic membrane) and 22 more.
The same procedure with a different approach is coded 09943ZX (percutaneous), 09944ZX (percutaneous endoscopic), 09947ZX (via natural or artificial opening), 09948ZX (via natural or artificial opening endoscopic) and 0994XZX (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
- 4External Auditory Canal, Left
Includes: External auditory meatus
- 5. Approach
- 0Open
Cutting through the skin or mucous membrane and any other body layers necessary to expose the site of the procedure
- 6. Device
- ZNo Device
- 7. Qualifier
- XDiagnostic
Other versions of this procedure
Different body part
- 09900ZXExternal Ear, Right
- 09910ZXExternal Ear, Left
- 09930ZXExternal Auditory Canal, Right
- 09950ZXMiddle Ear, Right
- 09960ZXMiddle Ear, Left
- 09970ZXTympanic Membrane, Right
- 09980ZXTympanic Membrane, Left
- 09990ZXAuditory Ossicle, Right
- 099A0ZXAuditory Ossicle, Left
- 099B0ZXMastoid Sinus, Right
- 099C0ZXMastoid Sinus, Left
- 099D0ZXInner Ear, 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 09940ZX
Is 09940ZX a valid ICD-10-PCS code for 2027?
- Yes. 09940ZX is valid for inpatient procedures from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
What is the ICD-9 procedure code for 09940ZX?
- The CMS GEMs map 09940ZX to ICD-9-CM 18.12 (Biopsy of external ear).