ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code
09960ZXDrainage of Left Middle Ear, Open Approach, Diagnostic
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 09960ZX
09960ZX is the ICD-10-PCS code for a drainage procedure on the left middle ear 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 middle and inner ear, the ICD-9-CM procedure title it maps to (20.32).
For a different body part, codes include 09900ZX (right external ear), 09910ZX (left external ear), 09930ZX (right external auditory canal), 09940ZX (left external auditory canal), 09950ZX (right middle ear), 09970ZX (right tympanic membrane) and 22 more.
The same procedure with a different approach is coded 09967ZX (via natural or artificial opening) and 09968ZX (via natural or artificial opening endoscopic).
It is an operating-room procedure in the MS-DRG logic for DRG 143 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures with MCC), DRG 144 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures with CC) and DRG 145 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures without CC/MCC), under the surgical category “Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures”.
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
- 6Middle Ear, Left
Includes: Oval window; Tympanic cavity
- 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
- 09940ZXExternal Auditory Canal, Left
- 09950ZXMiddle Ear, Right
- 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
MS-DRG v44.0 grouping
All DRGs →Surgical MS-DRGs this procedure can group to, depending on the principal diagnosis's MDC.
MDC 03 · Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat · Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures
ICD-9-CM equivalent
Converter →- 20.32Biopsy of middle and inner 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 09960ZX
Is 09960ZX a valid ICD-10-PCS code for 2027?
- Yes. 09960ZX is valid for inpatient procedures from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.
Is 09960ZX an O.R. procedure?
- Yes. 09960ZX is an O.R. procedure in MS-DRG v44.0.
What DRG does 09960ZX group to?
- Depending on the principal diagnosis, 09960ZX can group to MS-DRG 143, MS-DRG 144 and MS-DRG 145.
What is the ICD-9 procedure code for 09960ZX?
- The CMS GEMs map 09960ZX to ICD-9-CM 20.32 (Biopsy of middle and inner ear).