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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.313

H61.313

Billable

Acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.313 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the external ear canal is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the ear canal due to trauma, which can result from various injuries such as blunt force, lacerations, or burns. This condition can lead to significant complications, including chronic otitis externa, hearing loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. The bilateral aspect indicates that both ear canals are affected, which may complicate the clinical picture and management. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, and hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, otoscopic evaluation, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of the stenosis and any associated injuries. Management may include surgical intervention to widen the canal, along with medical treatment for any infections or inflammation present. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the stenosis and the timeliness of intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of trauma-related conditions
  • Bilateral coding nuances
  • Differentiation from congenital stenosis
  • Potential for associated complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of trauma history
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Misclassification as congenital stenosis
  • Lack of supporting clinical findings

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, clinical findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain and hearing loss following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the mechanism of injury and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and hearing assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hearing loss secondary to ear canal stenosis.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of stenosis on hearing and any rehabilitative measures taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.313 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause (trauma) and the bilateral nature of the condition
  • Include any relevant clinical findings and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.313 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Used when cerumen impaction is present alongside stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the presence of cerumen and the need for removal.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure in conjunction with treatment for stenosis.

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 of the external ear canal, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear-related disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis of the external ear canal, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear-related disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis of the external ear canal, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of ear-related disorders.

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 is the primary cause of acquired stenosis of the external ear canal?

The primary cause is trauma, which can result from various incidents such as accidents, injuries, or burns that lead to scarring and narrowing of the ear canal.