Mouth and Throat (0C) ICD-10-PCS
The 0C body system covers Medical and Surgical procedures on mouth and throat, with 3,046 ICD-10-PCS codes across 23 root operations, 3,000 of them billable in fiscal year 2026. Each root operation defines a distinct procedural objective, and the info icons show the official definition with a preview of the codes inside.
Root Operations in This Body System 23 operations · 3,046 codes
| Chars 1–3 | Root Operation | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0C0 | AlterationModifying the anatomic structure of a body part without affecting the function of the body part | 18 | 16 |
| 0C2 | ChangeTaking out or off a device from a body part and putting back an identical or similar device in or on the same body part without cutting or puncturing the skin or a mucous membrane | 14 | 12 |
| 0C5 | DestructionPhysical eradication of all or a portion of a body part by the direct use of energy, force or a destructive agent | 178 | 176 |
| 0C7 | DilationExpanding an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part | 54 | 52 |
| 0C9 | DrainageTaking or letting out fluids and/or gases from a body part | 506 | 504 |
| 0CB | ExcisionCutting out or off, without replacement, a portion of a body part | 330 | 328 |
| 0CC | ExtirpationTaking or cutting out solid matter from a body part | 178 | 176 |
| 0CD | ExtractionPulling or stripping out or off all or a portion of a body part by the use of force | 34 | 32 |
| 0CF | FragmentationBreaking solid matter in a body part into pieces | 18 | 16 |
| 0CH | InsertionPutting in a non-biological appliance that monitors, assists, performs or prevents a physiological function but does not physically take the place of a body part | 60 | 58 |
| 0CJ | InspectionVisually and/or manually exploring a body part | 32 | 30 |
| 0CL | OcclusionCompletely closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part | 54 | 52 |
| 0CM | ReattachmentPutting back in or on all or a portion of a separated body part to its normal location or other suitable location | 36 | 34 |
| 0CN | ReleaseFreeing a body part from an abnormal physical constraint by cutting or by use of force | 178 | 176 |
| 0CP | RemovalTaking out or off a device from a body part | 144 | 142 |
| 0CQ | RepairRestoring, to the extent possible, a body part to its normal anatomic structure and function | 178 | 176 |
| 0CR | ReplacementPutting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically takes the place and/or function of all or a portion of a body part | 350 | 348 |
| 0CS | RepositionMoving to its normal location or other suitable location all or a portion of a body part | 106 | 104 |
| 0CT | ResectionCutting out or off, without replacement, all of a body part | 104 | 102 |
| 0CU | SupplementPutting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically reinforces and/or augments the function of a body part | 254 | 252 |
| 0CV | RestrictionPartially closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part | 42 | 40 |
| 0CW | RevisionCorrecting, to the extent possible, a portion of a malfunctioning device or the position of a displaced device | 148 | 146 |
| 0CX | TransferMoving, without taking out, all or a portion of a body part to another location to take over the function of all or a portion of a body part | 30 | 28 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the 0C Body System
The ICD-10-PCS codes for the Mouth and Throat in the Medical and Surgical section cover a wide range of root operations describing different procedural goals. These operations include modifying, removing, inspecting, or repairing parts of the mouth and throat.
For example, Alteration (0C0) involves modifying the anatomy without changing its function, while Excision (0CB) is cutting out a portion without replacement. Insertion (0CH) places a device to assist or monitor function, and Drainage (0C9) involves removing fluids or gases. More complex procedures include Reattachment (0CM), which puts a severed part back in place, and Replacement (0CR), where biological or synthetic materials substitute for a body part. Additionally, Inspection (0CJ) refers to visual or manual examination, and Repair (0CQ) aims to restore normal anatomy and function. This detailed classification facilitates precise coding for various treatments targeting the mouth and throat.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the 0C body system?
The 0C body system contains 3,046 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2026, organized into 23 root operations. 3,000 of them are billable on inpatient claims.
What is a root operation?
The root operation is the third character of every ICD-10-PCS code and names the objective of the procedure. Drainage takes fluid out, Excision cuts out a portion of a body part, and Resection removes all of one. Picking the right root operation is the central skill of PCS coding, so each one above carries its official CMS definition.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
