2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code T34.012AFrostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear, initial encounter
T34.012A is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for frostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear, initial encounter. The 7th character A marks it as an initial encounter code, used while the patient is receiving active treatment. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 922 through 923. Coders also document this condition as frostbite of ear. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Effect of other external causes, initial encounter.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Frostbite of ear
- Frostbite of left ear
- Tissue necrosis of ear due to and following frostbite
- Tissue necrosis of left ear due to and following frostbite
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Frostbite with tissue necrosis (T34). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Patient EducationClinical
Frostbite
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Convert T34.012A to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About T34.012AOverview
Is T34.012A (Frostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report frostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear, initial encounter on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What does the 7th character A in T34.012A mean?
The final character A marks the initial encounter: use it while the patient is receiving active treatment for frostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear, such as an emergency visit or first evaluation.
What MS-DRG does T34.012A group to?
When frostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear, initial encounter is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 922, 923, with relative weights from 1.0177 to 1.7494 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of T34.012A?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, frostbite with tissue necrosis of left ear, initial encounter converts to ICD-9-CM 991.0 (frostbite of face). 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.
