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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.30

H61.30

Billable

Acquired stenosis of external ear canal, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.30 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired stenosis of external ear canal, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the external ear canal refers to the narrowing of the ear canal that occurs due to various factors, such as chronic inflammation, trauma, or the presence of tumors. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms, including hearing loss, discomfort, and recurrent ear infections. The stenosis may be unilateral or bilateral and can be caused by conditions such as chronic otitis externa, which is an inflammation of the ear canal, or by external factors like excessive earwax buildup or foreign bodies. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as a sensation of fullness in the ear, itching, or discharge. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough otoscopic examination, which may reveal narrowing of the canal, and possibly imaging studies if a mass or other underlying condition is suspected. Management may include medical treatment for any underlying infections or inflammation, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the stenosis and restore normal ear canal function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and history
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding
  • Differentiation from other ear canal conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and history
  • Failure to specify the cause of stenosis
  • Misclassification of the condition as congenital rather than acquired
  • Inconsistent coding with treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or discomfort in the ear.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the cause of stenosis and any treatments provided.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss and its impact on daily functioning.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected ear canal issues.

Billing Considerations

Linking audiological findings to the diagnosis of acquired stenosis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.30 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's acquired nature
  • Include any relevant history of ear infections or trauma

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.30 When
  • Exclude congenital conditions unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with diagnosis of H61.30 when cerumen impaction is present.

Documentation Requirements

Document the presence of cerumen impaction and the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure frequently in patients with ear canal stenosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of acquired stenosis of the external ear canal?

Common causes include chronic otitis externa, trauma, and the presence of foreign bodies or tumors that can lead to narrowing of the ear canal.