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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.392

H61.392

Billable

Other acquired stenosis of left external ear canal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.392 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acquired stenosis of left external ear canal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H61.392 refers to acquired stenosis of the left external ear canal, which can occur due to various factors such as chronic inflammation, trauma, or previous surgical interventions. This condition can lead to a narrowing of the ear canal, resulting in symptoms such as hearing loss, discomfort, and increased susceptibility to infections. Clinically, patients may present with otorrhea (ear discharge), otalgia (ear pain), and a history of recurrent otitis externa or other ear conditions. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough otoscopic examination, which may reveal a narrowed canal, and possibly imaging studies if there is suspicion of underlying pathology. Management may include medical treatment for any underlying infection or inflammation, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve the stenosis and restore normal ear canal function. Proper coding is essential for accurate billing 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 co-existing ear conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of stenosis
  • Failure to document associated symptoms
  • Misidentification of the ear affected
  • Lack of clarity on previous treatments or surgeries

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, physical examination findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific type of stenosis and any associated conditions.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected ear canal issues.

Billing Considerations

Link audiological findings to the diagnosis of stenosis for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.392 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H61
  • 392 should be used when the stenosis is acquired and specifically affects the left external ear canal
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including the cause and any related symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.392 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 diagnosis of ear canal stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of 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 ear canal, improving the accuracy of patient records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acquired stenosis of the ear canal, improving the accuracy of patient records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 ear canal?

Common causes include chronic otitis externa, trauma, and previous surgical interventions that may lead to scarring and narrowing of the ear canal.