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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.39

H61.39

Billable

Other acquired stenosis of external ear canal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acquired stenosis of external ear canal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acquired stenosis of the external ear canal refers to the narrowing of the ear canal due to various factors such as trauma, chronic inflammation, or the presence of foreign bodies. This condition can lead to significant complications, including hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, and discomfort. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, pain, or discharge. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through otoscopic examination, which reveals narrowing of the canal, and may be supplemented by imaging studies in complex cases. Management often involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include surgical intervention to widen the canal, removal of obstructions, or treatment of infections. In chronic cases, regular follow-up is essential to monitor for recurrence and to manage any associated complications. Accurate coding is crucial for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to stenosis
  • Potential for associated conditions such as otitis media
  • Need for detailed documentation of clinical findings
  • Variability in treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of stenosis
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or conditions
  • Incorrect coding of related procedures
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the condition and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss and its impact on daily functioning.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss related to external ear canal stenosis.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between stenosis and hearing impairment for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.39 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding acquired conditions
  • Ensure to document the specific cause of stenosis and any associated conditions
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed when stenosis is due to cerumen impaction.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure in conjunction with other interventions.

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 clinical data and reimbursement processes.

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 clinical data 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 are the common causes of acquired stenosis of the external ear canal?

Common causes include chronic otitis externa, trauma, and the presence of foreign bodies or tumors.

How is acquired stenosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through otoscopic examination, which reveals narrowing of the ear canal, and may be supported by imaging studies.