2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code D22.21Melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal

ICD-10-CM Codes›C00–D49›D10-D36›D22

ICD-10-CM D22.21
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

D22.21 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 606 through 607. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Benign neoplasms.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
D22.21
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal
Short Description
Melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
D22.2
Melanocytic nevi of ear and external auricular canal

Code Classification

ChapterC00–D49Neoplasms
SectionD10-D36Benign neoplasms, except benign neuroendocrine tumors
CategoryD22Melanocytic nevi
This CodeD22.21Melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Benign neoplasm of skin of right ear
  • Congenital pigmented melanocytic nevus of skin of right ear
  • Dysplastic nevus of skin of right ear
  • Epidermal nevus of skin of left ear
  • Epidermal nevus of skin of right ear
  • Melanocytic nevus of ear
  • Melanocytic nevus of skin of right ear
  • Pigmented hairy epidermal nevus of bilateral ears
  • Pigmented hairy epidermal nevus of ear
  • Pigmented hairy epidermal nevus of left ear
  • Pigmented hairy epidermal nevus of right ear

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR NEO073
Benign neoplasms
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Birthmarks

Birthmarks are abnormalities of the skin that are present when a baby is born. There are two types of birthmarks. Vascular birthmarks are made up of blood vessels that haven't formed correctly. They are usually red. Two types of vascular birthmarks are hemangiomas and port-wine stains.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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Convert D22.21 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
216.2 Benign neo skin ear
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About D22.21Overview

Is D22.21 (Melanocytic nevi of ear and external auricular canal) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does D22.21 group to?

When melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 606, 607, with relative weights from 0.9064 to 1.5132 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of D22.21?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, melanocytic nevi of right ear and external auricular canal converts to ICD-9-CM 216.2 (benign neo skin ear). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.