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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.319

H61.319

Billable

Acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.319 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the external ear canal refers to a narrowing of the ear canal that occurs as a result of trauma, which may include physical injury, burns, or surgical interventions. This condition can lead to various complications such as otitis externa, hearing loss, and increased susceptibility to infections. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, and hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, often supplemented by otoscopic evaluation to assess the degree of stenosis and any associated pathology. Management may include conservative measures such as ear cleaning and topical medications, or more invasive procedures like surgical dilation or reconstruction of the ear canal. The unspecified ear designation indicates that the condition may affect either the left or right ear, and further specification may be required based on clinical findings.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of stenosis
  • Need for precise documentation of trauma history
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., otitis externa)
  • Differentiation from congenital stenosis or other ear canal disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of trauma history
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misclassification of stenosis type (acquired vs. congenital)
  • Inconsistent coding of associated conditions (e.g., otitis)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain and hearing loss following trauma, or recurrent infections due to stenosis.

Billing Considerations

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

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and assessments of hearing loss related to ear canal stenosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hearing impairment secondary to acquired ear canal stenosis.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.319 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause of stenosis and the affected ear
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbidities and specify the nature of the trauma when applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.319 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with treatment for stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear linkage between cerumen removal and stenosis treatment.

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 granularity of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis, improving the granularity of data for epidemiological studies and healthcare management.

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 is the difference between acquired and congenital stenosis of the ear canal?

Acquired stenosis occurs due to external factors such as trauma or surgery, while congenital stenosis is present at birth and results from developmental anomalies.