Accessory auricle

This code represents a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of an extra piece of cartilage and skin, typically located in front of the ear (preauricular tag) or on the ear itself. These are usually benign, small, skin-covered nodules that may contain cartilage.

Use this code when documentation clearly identifies a patient with an accessory auricle, also known as a preauricular tag or supernumerary ear. This diagnosis is often made at birth or during early childhood examinations. Documentation should specify the presence of this congenital ear anomaly.

• Differentiate from preauricular sinus or cyst (Q18.1), which involves a pit or tract rather than a solid tag.
• This code is typically a primary diagnosis for evaluation or excision of the accessory auricle.
• Do not confuse with microtia (Q17.2) or macrotia (Q17.3), which describe abnormalities of the ear size.