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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.302

H61.302

Billable

Acquired stenosis of left external ear canal, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.302 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired stenosis of left external ear canal, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the left external ear canal refers to a narrowing of the ear canal that develops due to various factors such as trauma, chronic inflammation, or infection. This condition can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, and recurrent ear infections. The stenosis may be caused by external factors like excessive earwax buildup, foreign bodies, or post-surgical changes. Clinically, patients may present with otalgia (ear pain), otorrhea (ear discharge), and a history of recurrent otitis externa or other ear conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough otoscopic examination, which may reveal narrowing of the canal, and possibly imaging studies if there are concerns about underlying pathology. Management may include conservative measures such as ear cleaning, topical medications, or surgical interventions like canaloplasty or tympanoplasty if the stenosis is severe and impacts hearing or quality of life. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of ear-related conditions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of stenosis.
  • Potential overlap with other ear canal conditions.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and history.
  • Differentiation from congenital stenosis or other ear canal disorders.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the severity of stenosis.
  • Misclassification of acquired versus congenital conditions.
  • Lack of supporting evidence for associated symptoms.

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 post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

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

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss associated with ear canal conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected ear canal obstruction.

Billing Considerations

Link hearing loss findings to the diagnosis of acquired stenosis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.302 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant history of ear conditions and specify the acquired nature of the stenosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.302 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 ear canal stenosis due to wax buildup.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure frequently in patients with 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 conditions, including acquired stenosis, which aids in better tracking and management of ear health issues.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 acquired stenosis of the ear canal?

Common causes include chronic ear infections, trauma, surgical changes, and excessive earwax buildup.

How is acquired stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a physical examination with an otoscope, assessing for narrowing of the ear canal and associated symptoms.

What treatments are available for acquired stenosis?

Treatment options may include conservative measures like ear cleaning and medications, or surgical interventions for severe cases.