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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
DiagnosesImpacted Cerumen

Impacted Cerumen

ICD-10 Coding for Impacted Cerumen(H61.20, H61.21, H61.22, H61.23)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOtolaryngology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is Impacted Cerumen?
Essential facts and insights about Impacted Cerumen

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Ear fullness or pressure
  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Dizziness
  • Otalgia

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Patient history of ear symptoms
  • Description of ear examination findings
  • Treatment provided and response
  • Specific terminology such as 'impacted cerumen' or 'earwax blockage'

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use H61.23 for bilateral cases, H61.22 for right ear, and H61.21 for left ear.
  • Common errors include using the wrong side code or failing to document symptoms.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Other ear conditions such as otitis media or external otitis
  • Alternative codes for other types of ear blockages

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
H61.23
Impact cerumen, bilateral
H61.22
Impact cerumen, right ear
H61.21
Impact cerumen, left ear

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Otolaryngology

Specialty Applications

  • Adults and children with earwax issues
  • Otolaryngology clinics and primary care settings

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the documentation requirements?

Document patient symptoms, examination findings, and treatment provided.

What are the billing considerations?

Ensure accurate coding based on the side affected and document any procedures performed.