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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.31

H61.31

Billable

Acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the external ear canal is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the ear canal due to trauma. This can occur from various forms of injury, including blunt force trauma, lacerations, or thermal injuries. The stenosis can lead to complications such as chronic otitis externa, hearing loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, often supplemented by otoscopic evaluation to assess the degree of canal narrowing. Management may include conservative measures such as ear cleaning and topical antibiotics, or surgical interventions like canaloplasty or tympanoplasty in more severe cases. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of treatment outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of trauma-related conditions
  • Differentiation from congenital stenosis
  • Potential for associated complications like infections
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma history

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of trauma history
  • Failure to specify the cause of stenosis
  • Misclassification with other ear canal conditions
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain and history of trauma, requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any associated complications.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical exam, including any referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear symptoms following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document any conservative management strategies attempted before referral.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.31 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries and conditions related to trauma
  • Ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis of acquired stenosis due to trauma, and consider any additional codes for associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.31 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Canaloplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required to correct stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and pre-operative assessment.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should document the extent of stenosis and any associated procedures performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 documentation is needed to support the use of H61.31?

Documentation should include a detailed history of the trauma, physical examination findings, and any treatment provided. It is essential to specify the mechanism of injury and any complications that arise.