2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M95.10Cauliflower ear, unspecified ear

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M95›M95

ICD-10-CM M95.10
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M95.10 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for cauliflower ear, unspecified ear. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 154 through 156. Coders also document this condition as acquired deformity of pinna. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Acquired deformities (excluding foot).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M95.10
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Cauliflower ear, unspecified ear
Short Description
Cauliflower ear, unspecified ear
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M95.1
Cauliflower ear

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM95Other disorders of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
CategoryM95Other acquired deformities of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
This CodeM95.10Cauliflower ear, unspecified ear

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Acquired deformity of pinna
  • Cauliflower ear

Clinical ClassificationClinical

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

CCSR MUS023
Acquired deformities (excluding foot)
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Ear Disorders

Your ear has three main parts: outer, middle and inner. You use all of them in hearing. Sound waves come in through your outer ear. They reach your middle ear, where they make your eardrum vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through three tiny bones, called ossicles, in your middle ear.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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Convert M95.10 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
738.7 Cauliflower 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 M95.10Overview

Is M95.10 (Cauliflower ear) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report cauliflower ear, unspecified ear on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M95.10 group to?

When cauliflower ear, unspecified ear is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 154, 155, 156, with relative weights from 0.6911 to 1.5635 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M95.10?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, cauliflower ear, unspecified ear converts to ICD-9-CM 738.7 (cauliflower 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.