ICD-10-PCS Code For Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) code group 0KR4 includes procedures performed to replace muscles in the tongue, palate, and pharynx. These ICD-10-PCS codes are used for inpatient documentation when a biological or synthetic material is placed to take the place and/or function of all or a portion of these muscles. Accurate coding within the ICD-10-PCS 0KR4 group is essential for proper inpatient reimbursement, as it captures the specific replacement procedure performed and determines appropriate case mix and payment.

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Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle Replacement Procedure Overview

This procedure group involves replacement of muscles of the tongue, palate, and pharynx and targets the Muscles body system. Procedures place biological or synthetic material that physically takes the place and/or function of all or a portion of these muscles. Accurate ICD-10-PCS coding ensures inpatient records reflect the operation performed and supports correct case mix and payment.

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
0	Section	Medical and Surgical
K	Body System	Muscles
R	Operation	Replacement
4	Body Part	Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle

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ICD-10-PCS Code For Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

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Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle Replacement Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

Character	ICD-10-PCS Category	Code Group Details
0	Section	Medical and Surgical
K	Body System	Muscles
R	Operation	Replacement
4	Body Part	Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle

When to Use

Use a code from this group when a surgical procedure replaces all or a portion of the tongue, palate, or pharyngeal muscles with a material that serves the muscle function. These codes are appropriate for inpatient records documenting replacement as the root operation.

ICD-10-PCS Codes

6 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
0KR407Z	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Autologous Tissue Substitute, Open Approach
0KR40JZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Synthetic Substitute, Open Approach
0KR40KZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Nonautologous Tissue Substitute, Open Approach
0KR447Z	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Autologous Tissue Substitute, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach
0KR44JZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Synthetic Substitute, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach
0KR44KZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Nonautologous Tissue Substitute, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach

DRG Codes

18 rows

DRG Code	Description
040	Peripheral, Cranial Nerve and Other Nervous System Procedures with MCC
041	Peripheral, Cranial Nerve and Other Nervous System Procedures with CC or Peripheral Neurostimulator
042	Peripheral, Cranial Nerve and Other Nervous System Procedures without CC/MCC
500	Soft Tissue Procedures with MCC
501	Soft Tissue Procedures with CC
502	Soft Tissue Procedures without CC/MCC
579	Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures with MCC
580	Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures with CC
581	Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures without CC/MCC
907	Other O.R. Procedures for Injuries with MCC

Showing 1–10 of 18

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An adult patient presents electively for reconstruction after extensive tumor resection of the lateral tongue and adjacent palatal muscle resulting in large functional deficit in swallowing and speech. The planned inpatient operation places the patient’s own harvested muscle or soft tissue flap to replace the resected tongue and palate muscle tissue and restore function. The procedure is performed via an open surgical approach to ensure adequate vascular anastomosis and muscular reconstruction. Typical codes: 0KR407Z
An elderly patient is admitted urgently after traumatic avulsion of part of the tongue and soft palate from a motor vehicle collision, with compromised airway protection and impaired swallowing. After airway stabilization and debridement, the team performs an open replacement procedure using a synthetic implant to reconstruct the missing muscle bulk and restore palatal and pharyngeal function. The inpatient operation is done via open approach to secure the implant and repair complex tissue loss. Typical codes: 0KR40JZ
A patient with prior reconstruction of the pharyngeal musculature presents with chronic dysphagia and evidence of graft failure and fibrosis on evaluation, necessitating revision surgery. During the inpatient revision, nonautologous biologic material (cadaveric or xenograft) is placed endoscopically to replace failed muscle tissue and improve swallowing mechanics. The procedure uses a percutaneous endoscopic approach to position the substitute material and minimize additional open dissection. Typical codes: 0KR44KZ

Related Codes

0KR0-HEAD-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Head Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR1-FACIAL-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Facial Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR2-NECK-MUSCLE-RIGHT-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Neck Muscle Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR3-NECK-MUSCLE-LEFT-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Neck Muscle, Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR5-SHOULDER-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Shoulder Muscle Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR6-LEFT-SHOULDER-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Left Shoulder Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR7-UPPER-ARM-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Arm Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR8-LEFT-UPPER-ARM-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Arm Muscle Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR9-LOWER-ARM-AND-WRIST-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Lower Arm And Wrist Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KRB-LEFT-LOWER-ARM-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Left Lower Arm And Wrist Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

Showing 1–10 of 27

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

6 rows

ICD-10-PCS Code	Description
0KR407Z	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Autologous Tissue Substitute, Open Approach
0KR40JZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Synthetic Substitute, Open Approach
0KR40KZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Nonautologous Tissue Substitute, Open Approach
0KR447Z	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Autologous Tissue Substitute, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach
0KR44JZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Synthetic Substitute, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach
0KR44KZ	Replacement of Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle with Nonautologous Tissue Substitute, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach

DRG Codes

18 rows

DRG Code	Description
040	Peripheral, Cranial Nerve and Other Nervous System Procedures with MCC
041	Peripheral, Cranial Nerve and Other Nervous System Procedures with CC or Peripheral Neurostimulator
042	Peripheral, Cranial Nerve and Other Nervous System Procedures without CC/MCC
500	Soft Tissue Procedures with MCC
501	Soft Tissue Procedures with CC
502	Soft Tissue Procedures without CC/MCC
579	Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures with MCC
580	Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures with CC
581	Other Skin, Subcutaneous Tissue and Breast Procedures without CC/MCC
907	Other O.R. Procedures for Injuries with MCC

Showing 1–10 of 18

Typical Clinical Scenarios

An adult patient presents electively for reconstruction after extensive tumor resection of the lateral tongue and adjacent palatal muscle resulting in large functional deficit in swallowing and speech. The planned inpatient operation places the patient’s own harvested muscle or soft tissue flap to replace the resected tongue and palate muscle tissue and restore function. The procedure is performed via an open surgical approach to ensure adequate vascular anastomosis and muscular reconstruction. Typical codes: 0KR407Z
An elderly patient is admitted urgently after traumatic avulsion of part of the tongue and soft palate from a motor vehicle collision, with compromised airway protection and impaired swallowing. After airway stabilization and debridement, the team performs an open replacement procedure using a synthetic implant to reconstruct the missing muscle bulk and restore palatal and pharyngeal function. The inpatient operation is done via open approach to secure the implant and repair complex tissue loss. Typical codes: 0KR40JZ
A patient with prior reconstruction of the pharyngeal musculature presents with chronic dysphagia and evidence of graft failure and fibrosis on evaluation, necessitating revision surgery. During the inpatient revision, nonautologous biologic material (cadaveric or xenograft) is placed endoscopically to replace failed muscle tissue and improve swallowing mechanics. The procedure uses a percutaneous endoscopic approach to position the substitute material and minimize additional open dissection. Typical codes: 0KR44KZ

Related Codes

0KR0-HEAD-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Head Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR1-FACIAL-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Facial Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR2-NECK-MUSCLE-RIGHT-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Neck Muscle Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR3-NECK-MUSCLE-LEFT-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Neck Muscle, Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR5-SHOULDER-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Shoulder Muscle Right: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR6-LEFT-SHOULDER-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Left Shoulder Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR7-UPPER-ARM-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Arm Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR8-LEFT-UPPER-ARM-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Upper Arm Muscle Left: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KR9-LOWER-ARM-AND-WRIST-MUSCLE-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Lower Arm And Wrist Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

0KRB-LEFT-LOWER-ARM-REPLACEMENT

ICD-10-PCS Code For Left Lower Arm And Wrist Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

Showing 1–10 of 27

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle Replacement Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

ICD-10-PCS Code For Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview

Sign up for ICD-10-PCS Code For Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle: Procedure Code Group Overview policy alerts

Tongue, Palate, Pharynx Muscle Replacement Procedure Overview

Code Attributes

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

DRG Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which ICD-10-PCS code group covers replacement of tongue, palate, and pharynx muscles?

What body system and operation are represented by the 0KR4 code group?

What specific codes are included in the 0KR4 group and what approach distinctions do they indicate?

Why is accurate coding within the 0KR4 group important for inpatient records?

Which DRG categories may relate to procedures coded in the 0KR4 group?

References

When to Use

ICD-10-PCS Codes

DRG Codes

Typical Clinical Scenarios

Related Codes

Which ICD-10-PCS code group covers replacement of tongue, palate, and pharynx muscles?

What body system and operation are represented by the 0KR4 code group?

What specific codes are included in the 0KR4 group and what approach distinctions do they indicate?

Why is accurate coding within the 0KR4 group important for inpatient records?

Which DRG categories may relate to procedures coded in the 0KR4 group?

References