S09.309D — Unspecified injury of unspecified middle and inner ear, subsequent encounter
Is S09.309D billable?
Yes, but S09.309D is an unspecified code. S09.309D is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, S09.309D is an unspecified or catch-all code. Payers apply additional scrutiny to unspecified codes and many deny them when the medical record supports a more specific option, so check the documentation before selecting S09.309D.
S09.309D at a glance
| Code | S09.309D |
|---|---|
| Description | Unspecified injury of unspecified middle and inner ear, subsequent encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "D" | subsequent encounter |
What does the 7th character "D" mean in S09.309D?
In S09.309D, the 7th character D means subsequent encounter. The 7th character is required for S09.309D to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does S09.309D group to?
S09.309D sits in MDC 23 and helps define the logic of 2 MS-DRGs (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 949Aftercare with CC/MCCmedical
- 950Aftercare without CC/MCCmedical
How is S09.309D listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under S09.30, the nearest indexed parent of S09.309D. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Injury › eustachian tube
- Injury › labyrinth, ear
- Injury › middle ear
- Injury › ear › middle
Excludes1 — never code together — inherited from S09.3
The conditions below can never be reported together with S09.309D on the same claim. An Excludes1 note means the two conditions cannot occur in the same patient, so reporting both is a coding error.
- injury to ear NOS (S09.91-)
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside S09.309D to fully describe the condition. S09.309D is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of S09.309D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S09.309D and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S00-S09
The conditions below are not part of S09.309D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S09.309D and the excluded code may both be reported.
- burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
- effects of foreign body in ear (T16)
- effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
- effects of foreign body in mouth NOS (T18.0)
- effects of foreign body in nose (T17.0-T17.1)
- effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
- effects of foreign body on external eye (T15.-)
- frostbite (T33-T34)
- insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from S09.3
The conditions below are not part of S09.309D, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, S09.309D and the excluded code may both be reported.
Code also — inherited from S00-S09
Two codes may be needed to describe the condition fully. Whether S09.309D is sequenced first depends on the reason for the encounter.
- for any associated infection
How long has S09.309D existed?
S09.309D has been in ICD-10-CM since at least FY2016, the earliest fiscal year on record here.
Derived from the official order files for FY2016–FY2026. FY2017 and FY2020 publish no order file, so those years are not covered.