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ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code

0C970ZXDrainage of Tongue, Open Approach, Diagnostic

✓ Valid for 2027O.R. procedure

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 0C970ZX

0C970ZX is the ICD-10-PCS code for a drainage procedure on the tongue 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 open biopsy of tongue, the ICD-9-CM procedure title it maps to (25.02).

For a different body part, codes include 0C900ZX (upper lip), 0C910ZX (lower lip), 0C920ZX (hard palate), 0C930ZX (soft palate), 0C940ZX (buccal mucosa), 0C950ZX (upper gingiva) and 18 more.

The same procedure with a different approach is coded 0C973ZX (percutaneous) and 0C97XZX (external).

It is an operating-room procedure in the MS-DRG logic for DRG 137 (Mouth Procedures with CC/MCC) and DRG 138 (Mouth Procedures without CC/MCC), under the surgical category “Mouth 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
CMouth and Throat
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
7Tongue

Includes: Frenulum linguae

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 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 · Mouth Procedures

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • 25.02Open biopsy of tongueapproximate

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 0C970ZX

Is 0C970ZX a valid ICD-10-PCS code for 2027?

Yes. 0C970ZX is valid for inpatient procedures from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is 0C970ZX an O.R. procedure?

Yes. 0C970ZX is an O.R. procedure in MS-DRG v44.0.

What DRG does 0C970ZX group to?

Depending on the principal diagnosis, 0C970ZX can group to MS-DRG 137 and MS-DRG 138.

What is the ICD-9 procedure code for 0C970ZX?

The CMS GEMs map 0C970ZX to ICD-9-CM 25.02 (Open biopsy of tongue).