T20.519A — Corrosion of first degree of unspecified ear [any part, except ear drum], initial encounter
Is T20.519A billable?
Yes, but T20.519A is an unspecified code. T20.519A is a valid, billable ICD-10-CM code for encounters from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. However, T20.519A 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 T20.519A — the more specific alternatives are listed below.
T20.519A at a glance
| Code | T20.519A |
|---|---|
| Description | Corrosion of first degree of unspecified ear [any part, except ear drum], initial encounter |
| Billable | Yes |
| Code set | ICD-10-CM FY2027 |
| Valid for encounters | October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 |
| 7th character "A" | initial encounter |
What does the 7th character "A" mean in T20.519A?
In T20.519A, the 7th character A means initial encounter. The 7th character is required for T20.519A to be a valid, complete code.
Same condition, different episode of care — switch the 7th character:
Which MS-DRGs does T20.519A group to?
T20.519A sits in MDC 22 and helps define the logic of 1 MS-DRG (version 44, FY2027). Which one a stay actually groups to also depends on procedures and secondary diagnoses.
- 935Non-Extensive Burnsmedical
How is T20.519A listed in the Alphabetic Index?
The Alphabetic Index lists these routes under T20.51, the nearest indexed parent of T20.519A. Use them to find the family, then select the specific code.
- Corrosion › ear › first degree (injury) (acid) (caustic) (chemical) (lime) (external) (internal)
Code first — inherited from T20.5
The underlying condition below must be sequenced before T20.519A. T20.519A describes a manifestation and cannot be the principal or first-listed diagnosis.
- (T51-T65) to identify chemical and intent
Use additional code — inherited from Chapter 19
Report an additional code alongside T20.519A to fully describe the condition. T20.519A is sequenced first.
- code to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-)
Use additional code — inherited from T20-T25
Report an additional code alongside T20.519A to fully describe the condition. T20.519A is sequenced first.
Use additional code — inherited from T20.5
Report an additional code alongside T20.519A to fully describe the condition. T20.519A is sequenced first.
- external cause code to identify place (Y92)
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from Chapter 19
The conditions below are not part of T20.519A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T20.519A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T20
The conditions below are not part of T20.519A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T20.519A and the excluded code may both be reported.
Excludes2 — not included here — inherited from T20.51
The conditions below are not part of T20.519A, but a patient may have both at the same time. When documentation supports it, T20.519A and the excluded code may both be reported.
- corrosion of ear drum (T28.91-)
How long has T20.519A existed?
T20.519A 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.