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Q18.1

Billable

Preauricular sinus and cyst

This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).

What This Code Means

A congenital pit or cyst located in front of the ear, typically resulting from incomplete closure of the first branchial cleft.

Coding Tips

  • •Preauricular pits are common and often asymptomatic but may become infected; document if infection is present
  • •Specify laterality (right, left, or bilateral) in the medical record for accurate coding

Code Hierarchy

└Q18Other congenital malformations of face and neck└Q18.1Preauricular sinus and cyst
└Q18.1Preauricular sinus and cyst

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