Skip to content
Dx

ICD-10-PCS 2027 procedure code

09NKXZZRelease Nasal Mucosa and Soft Tissue, External Approach

✓ Valid for 2027

Code last changed in FY2018 (effective October 1, 2017). Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-PCS release from CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About 09NKXZZ

09NKXZZ is the ICD-10-PCS code for a release procedure on the nasal mucosa and soft tissue using an external 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 lysis of adhesions of nose, the ICD-9-CM procedure title it maps to (21.91).

For a different body part, codes include 09N0XZZ (right external ear), 09N1XZZ (left external ear), 09N3XZZ (right external auditory canal) and 09N4XZZ (left external auditory canal).

The same procedure with a different approach is coded 09NK0ZZ (open), 09NK3ZZ (percutaneous), 09NK4ZZ (percutaneous endoscopic) and 09NK8ZZ (via natural or artificial opening endoscopic).

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
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
KNasal Mucosa and Soft Tissue

Includes: Columella; External naris; Greater alar cartilage; Internal naris; Lateral nasal cartilage; Lesser alar cartilage; Nasal cavity; Nostril

5. Approach
XExternal

Procedures performed directly on the skin or mucous membrane and procedures performed indirectly by the application of external force through the skin or mucous membrane

6. Device
ZNo Device
7. Qualifier
ZNo Qualifier

Other versions of this procedure

ICD-9-CM equivalent

Converter →
  • 21.91Lysis of adhesions of noseapproximate

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)
  • FY2018 (effective 10/1/2017): Title revised — was “Release Nose, External Approach”

Common questions about 09NKXZZ

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

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

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

The CMS GEMs map 09NKXZZ to ICD-9-CM 21.91 (Lysis of adhesions of nose).