UNSPSC 85561947: Alteration of bilateral external ear with synthetic substitute, open approach

This classification denotes the group of activities that yields a surgical intervention or procedure to alteration of bilateral external ear with synthetic substitute, open approach. This surgical intervention or procedure is listed in the World Health Organization's International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems or ICD-10 as code 09020JZ

UNSPSC 85561947 Alteration of bilateral external ear with synthetic substitute, open approach is a Commodity code that, based on recent state and local activity, shows little relevant procurement aligned with its clinical scope. The six recent opportunities posted under this code do not reflect surgical procedures on the external ear; instead, they span occupational medical surveillance, disability evaluation services, surgical benefit program management, pharmacy benefit management, temporary health professional staffing, and emergency medical services for youth in detention. None of these solicitations involve the surgical alteration or reconstruction of the external ear using synthetic materials. The mismatch between the code's nominal clinical descriptor and the actual work being purchased suggests either a data classification error in how state and local procurement offices tagged these opportunities or a significant divergence between UNSPSC medical-procedure taxonomy and how state and local governments structure healthcare procurement.

The issuing bodies span multiple governance types: city retirement offices (City of Phoenix), municipal health systems (City of Long Beach, County of Santa Clara Health System), state transportation departments (Washington State Department of Transportation), county governments (Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Collier County Board of County Commissioners), and county health authorities. Geographic activity spans Arizona, California, Washington, Texas, and Florida. Representative recent opportunities include the City of Phoenix Retirement Office's RFP for independent medical evaluation services with a $750,000 five-year maximum (due October 16, 2026), the Washington State Department of Transportation's RFP for occupational medical surveillance services across 14 ferry terminals (due October 9, 2026, pre-bid conference August 31, 2026), and the County of Santa Clara Health System's qualification vehicle for temporary health professional staffing (due October 7, 2026). Given the systematic mismatch between the code definition and posted opportunities, this code warrants review and reclassification rather than pursuit based on current market activity.