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ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code

09N40ZZRelease Left External Auditory Canal, Open Approach

✓ 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 09N40ZZ

09N40ZZ is the ICD-10-PCS code for a release procedure on the left external auditory canal using an open approach. In ICD-10-PCS, release means freeing a body part from an abnormal physical constraint by cutting or by the use of force.

In plain terms, this corresponds to other operations on external ear, the ICD-9-CM procedure title it maps to (18.9).

For a different body part, codes include 09N00ZZ (right external ear), 09N10ZZ (left external ear), 09N30ZZ (right external auditory canal), 09N50ZZ (right middle ear), 09N60ZZ (left middle ear), 09N70ZZ (right tympanic membrane) and 22 more.

The same procedure with a different approach is coded 09N43ZZ (percutaneous), 09N44ZZ (percutaneous endoscopic), 09N47ZZ (via natural or artificial opening), 09N48ZZ (via natural or artificial opening endoscopic) and 09N4XZZ (external).

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), DRG 145 (Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures without CC/MCC), DRG 579 (Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures with MCC), DRG 580 (Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures with CC) and DRG 581 (Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures without CC/MCC), under the surgical categories “Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat O.R. Procedures”, “Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures”, “Other O.R. Procedures for Injuries” and 1 more.

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
NRelease

Freeing a body part from an abnormal physical constraint by cutting or by the use of force

Some of the restraining tissue may be taken out but none of the body part is taken out

Includes: Adhesiolysis, carpal tunnel release

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
ZNo Qualifier

Other versions of this procedure

MS-DRG v44.0 grouping

All DRGs →

Surgical MS-DRGs this procedure can group to, depending on the principal diagnosis's MDC.

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • 18.9Other operations on external earapproximate

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 09N40ZZ

Is 09N40ZZ a valid ICD-10-PCS code for 2027?

Yes. 09N40ZZ is valid for inpatient procedures from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is 09N40ZZ an O.R. procedure?

Yes. 09N40ZZ is an O.R. procedure in MS-DRG v44.0.

What DRG does 09N40ZZ group to?

Depending on the principal diagnosis, 09N40ZZ can group to MS-DRG 143, MS-DRG 144, MS-DRG 145, MS-DRG 579, MS-DRG 580 and MS-DRG 581.

What is the ICD-9 procedure code for 09N40ZZ?

The CMS GEMs map 09N40ZZ to ICD-9-CM 18.9 (Other operations on external ear).