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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.301

H61.301

Billable

Acquired stenosis of right external ear canal, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.301 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired stenosis of right external ear canal, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the right external ear canal refers to a narrowing of the ear canal that develops due to various factors such as chronic inflammation, trauma, or infection. This condition can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, and recurrent ear infections. The stenosis may be caused by conditions like chronic otitis externa, which is an inflammation of the outer ear canal, or by the presence of exostoses (bony growths) that can develop in response to repeated irritation. Clinically, patients may present with complaints of discomfort, itching, or drainage from the ear. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough otoscopic examination, which may reveal narrowing of the canal and any associated pathology. Management may include medical treatment with topical antibiotics or corticosteroids, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the stenosis and restore normal ear canal function. Surgical options can include canalplasty or tympanoplasty, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the stenosis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of stenosis
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and history
  • Potential for multiple underlying causes requiring differentiation
  • Variability in treatment approaches and surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of stenosis
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or conditions
  • Incorrect coding of the ear canal's laterality
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment plan or interventions performed

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the acquired nature of stenosis and any prior treatments.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports on hearing loss related to ear canal conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected ear canal issues.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of stenosis on hearing thresholds and any recommendations for further evaluation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.301 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's acquired nature and the specific ear canal involved
  • Include any relevant history of ear infections or trauma

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.301 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Canalplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required to correct stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery, findings during the procedure, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the surgical necessity is well documented.

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 acquired stenosis, which helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including acquired stenosis, which helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including acquired stenosis, which helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

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 ear canal?

Common causes include chronic otitis externa, trauma, and inflammatory skin conditions that lead to scarring and narrowing of the ear canal.

How is acquired stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a detailed patient history, physical examination with otoscopy, and sometimes imaging studies to assess the extent of the stenosis.

What treatments are available for acquired stenosis?

Treatment options may include medical management with topical medications or surgical interventions such as canalplasty, depending on the severity of the stenosis.