2021 ICD-10-CM Code S01.309

Unspecified open wound of unspecified ear

  1. ICD-10-CM Index
  2. Chapter: S00–T98
  3. Section: S00-S09
  4. Block: S01
  5. S01.309 - Unspecified open wound of unspecified ear
Version 2021
Non-Billable Code
Unspecified Code

Not Valid for Submission

S01.309 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of unspecified open wound of unspecified ear. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2021 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

The ICD-10-CM code S01.309 might also be used to specify conditions or terms like avulsion of auricle of ear, cochlear trauma, injury of eustachian tube, injury of eustachian tube, injury of external auditory canal , multiple open wounds with complication, etc.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like S01.309 are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

ICD-10:S01.309
Short Description:Unspecified open wound of unspecified ear
Long Description:Unspecified open wound of unspecified ear

Code Classification

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Open wound of head (S01). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

Specific Coding for Unspecified open wound of unspecified ear

Non-specific codes like S01.309 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for unspecified open wound of unspecified ear:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use S01.309A for initial encounter
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use S01.309D for subsequent encounter
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use S01.309S for sequela

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

Information for Patients


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. The vibrations travel to your inner ear, a snail-shaped organ. The inner ear makes the nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Your brain recognizes them as sounds. The inner ear also controls balance.

A variety of conditions may affect your hearing or balance:

Some ear disorders can result in hearing disorders and deafness.


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Wounds and Injuries

Also called: Traumatic injuries

An injury is damage to your body. It is a general term that refers to harm caused by accidents, falls, hits, weapons, and more. In the U.S., millions of people injure themselves every year. These injuries range from minor to life-threatening. Injuries can happen at work or play, indoors or outdoors, driving a car, or walking across the street.

Wounds are injuries that break the skin or other body tissues. They include cuts, scrapes, scratches, and punctured skin. They often happen because of an accident, but surgery, sutures, and stitches also cause wounds. Minor wounds usually aren't serious, but it is important to clean them. Serious and infected wounds may require first aid followed by a visit to your doctor. You should also seek attention if the wound is deep, you cannot close it yourself, you cannot stop the bleeding or get the dirt out, or it does not heal.

Other common types of injuries include


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Code History

  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)

Previous Code: S01.302S

Related Codes

Next Code: S01.309A