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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.391

H61.391

Billable

Other acquired stenosis of right external ear canal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.391 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acquired stenosis of right external ear canal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H61.391 refers to a condition characterized by the narrowing or constriction of the right external ear canal due to acquired factors, which may include chronic inflammation, trauma, or previous surgical interventions. This condition can lead to various complications, including hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, and discomfort. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear fullness, pain, or discharge, and may have a history of otitis externa or other ear-related issues. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough otoscopic examination, audiometric testing, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of the stenosis. Management may include medical treatment for underlying infections, surgical intervention to widen the canal, or the use of ear drops to alleviate symptoms. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acquired and congenital stenosis
  • Identifying the underlying cause of stenosis
  • Documenting the severity and impact on hearing
  • Potential for multiple related diagnoses

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of stenosis
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or complications
  • Incorrect coding of related ear conditions
  • Lack of clarity in the treatment plan

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic ear infections, post-surgical changes, or trauma leading to stenosis.

Billing Considerations

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

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations, patient history regarding hearing loss, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hearing loss related to ear canal stenosis.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of stenosis on hearing thresholds and any recommendations for further management.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.391 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's acquired nature
  • Include any relevant history of ear infections or trauma
  • Ensure that the code reflects the specific ear canal affected

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.391 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 due to stenosis.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on the patient's symptoms.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear canal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H61.391 provides a clear distinction for acquired stenosis, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear canal conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H61.391 provides a clear distinction for acquired stenosis, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 are the common causes of acquired stenosis of the ear canal?

Common causes include chronic otitis externa, trauma, and post-surgical changes. Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can also contribute to narrowing.