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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.031

H61.031

Billable

Chondritis of right external ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.031 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chondritis of right external ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chondritis of the right external ear is an inflammatory condition affecting the cartilage of the ear, often resulting from trauma, infection, or autoimmune disorders. Clinically, patients may present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the external ear, which can be exacerbated by movement or pressure. The condition may be associated with systemic symptoms if an underlying infection is present. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and may include imaging studies if abscess formation or other complications are suspected. Treatment often involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics if an infection is present, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or debride necrotic tissue. Proper management is crucial to prevent complications such as chronic pain or deformity of the ear.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between chondritis and other ear conditions such as otitis externa or perichondritis.
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment response.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting the ear.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on underlying causes.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the laterality of the condition.
  • Misclassification of chondritis as a more common ear infection.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment efficacy.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, swelling, or drainage; post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of any surgical interventions and follow-up care.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and symptom assessment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear pain or swelling before referral to specialists.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals and follow-up care to ensure continuity of treatment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.031 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's laterality and any associated procedures
  • Include relevant patient history and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.031 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69200CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with evaluation of ear conditions.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure more frequently in patients with ear pain.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including chondritis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including chondritis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including chondritis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of chondritis of the external ear?

Common causes include trauma, infections, and autoimmune conditions. It can also occur post-surgery or due to piercings.

How is chondritis of the external ear treated?

Treatment typically involves anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics if an infection is present, and possibly surgical intervention for severe cases.