ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.93

H61.93

Billable

Disorder of external ear, unspecified, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.93 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorder of external ear, unspecified, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H61.93 refers to a disorder affecting the external ear that is bilateral and unspecified in nature. This code encompasses a variety of conditions that may affect the outer ear, including but not limited to congenital malformations, trauma, infections, and inflammatory conditions. Patients may present with symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness, or discharge from the ear. The clinical evaluation often involves a thorough history and physical examination, including otoscopic examination to assess the ear canal and tympanic membrane. Diagnostic imaging may be warranted in cases of suspected structural abnormalities or complications. Management strategies vary based on the underlying cause and may include medical treatment such as antibiotics for infections, corticosteroids for inflammation, or surgical interventions for structural issues. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for thorough documentation to support the diagnosis
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other ear disorders
  • Requirement for specificity in coding to avoid denials

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of clinical findings
  • Lack of specificity in the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of bilateral conditions
  • Failure to link diagnosis with appropriate treatment

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, discharge, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the bilateral nature of the disorder and any specific findings.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and examination notes, including any referrals made.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear complaints before referral to specialists.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.93 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H61
  • 93 should be used when the specific nature of the external ear disorder is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the bilateral aspect is clearly indicated in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.93 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

When a patient presents with cerumen impaction causing external ear disorder.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure in conjunction with other evaluations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding ear disorders, enabling better tracking of conditions and outcomes. H61.93 provides a means to capture bilateral external ear disorders that may have previously been coded as unspecified.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding ear disorders, enabling better tracking of conditions and outcomes. H61.93 provides a means to capture bilateral external ear disorders that may have previously been coded as unspecified.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 should I document to support the use of H61.93?

Document the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, and any treatments provided. Ensure that the bilateral nature of the disorder is clearly indicated.