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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.393

H61.393

Billable

Other acquired stenosis of external ear canal, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.393 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other acquired stenosis of external ear canal, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H61.393 refers to a condition characterized by the narrowing or obstruction of the external ear canal due to acquired factors, affecting both ears. This condition can arise from various causes, including chronic inflammation, trauma, or the presence of foreign bodies. Patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, or recurrent ear infections. The stenosis can lead to a buildup of cerumen, further complicating the clinical picture. 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 conditions, cerumen removal, or surgical intervention to restore patency to the ear canal. Understanding the etiology and clinical implications of bilateral stenosis is crucial for effective treatment and coding.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acquired and congenital stenosis
  • Identifying the underlying cause of stenosis
  • Documenting bilateral involvement accurately
  • Potential for co-existing ear conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the etiology of stenosis
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Misclassification of stenosis type (acquired vs. congenital)
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or post-traumatic ear canal changes.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the cause of stenosis and any interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss and its correlation with ear canal stenosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected ear canal obstruction.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between hearing loss and the anatomical changes in the ear canal.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.393 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H61
  • 393 should be used when the stenosis is acquired and bilateral
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.393 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 in conjunction with stenosis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the presence of cerumen and the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the reason for cerumen removal is clearly linked to the stenosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including acquired stenosis. This specificity aids in better tracking of epidemiological data and enhances the ability to analyze treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including acquired stenosis. This specificity aids in better tracking of epidemiological data and enhances the ability to analyze treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 post-surgical changes. Inflammatory conditions can also lead to scarring and narrowing of the canal.