ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for eustachian tube congenital absence
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Absence (of) (organ or part) (complete or partial) › eustachian tube (congenital)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding eustachian tube congenital absence
The ICD-10-CM code for eustachian tube congenital absence is Q16.2 (Absence of eustachian tube).
Within Q16 (congenital malformations of ear causing impairment of hearing), Q16.2 is specifically for absence of eustachian tube. Related codes cover congenital absence of (ear) auricle (Q16.0), congenital absence, atresia and stricture of auditory canal (external) (Q16.1), congenital malformation of ear ossicles (Q16.3), other congenital malformations of middle ear (Q16.4), congenital malformation of inner ear (Q16.5) and congenital malformation of ear causing impairment of hearing, unspecified (Q16.9).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 154 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC, relative weight 1.5921), DRG 155 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC, relative weight 0.9322) and DRG 156 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC, relative weight 0.6659), in MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Common questions about eustachian tube congenital absence ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for eustachian tube congenital absence?
- Q16.2 — Absence of eustachian tube.
Is Q16.2 billable?
- Yes. Q16.2 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can Q16.2 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict Q16.2 as a principal diagnosis.
Is Q16.2 a CC or MCC?
- No. Q16.2 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.