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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.811

H61.811

Billable

Exostosis of right external canal

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.811 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of exostosis of right external canal.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Exostosis of the right external auditory canal, commonly referred to as surfer's ear, is characterized by the formation of bony growths in the ear canal. These growths are typically benign and arise due to repeated exposure to cold water and wind, leading to chronic irritation and inflammation of the ear canal. Patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, ear fullness, or recurrent ear infections. The condition is often diagnosed through otoscopic examination, where the bony protrusions can be visualized. In some cases, imaging studies such as CT scans may be utilized to assess the extent of the exostosis. Management may include monitoring for asymptomatic cases, while symptomatic patients may require surgical intervention to remove the exostosis and restore normal ear canal function. Post-operative care is crucial to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of location and extent of exostosis
  • Potential for co-existing conditions such as otitis externa or hearing loss
  • Differentiation from other ear canal conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify laterality (right ear)
  • Misclassification of exostosis as a malignant condition
  • Lack of supporting documentation for surgical procedures

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, or post-operative follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the surgical procedure performed and any complications.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments due to suspected exostosis-related hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between audiometric findings and the presence of exostosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.811 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of laterality and any associated conditions
  • Exostosis should be coded based on the specific site and any relevant symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.811 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Excision of external ear canal exostosis

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed to remove exostosis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indications, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of the surgical approach and any complications.

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 exostosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes of ear canal disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like exostosis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes of ear canal disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity aids in better understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes of ear canal disorders.

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 symptoms of exostosis of the external canal?

Common symptoms include hearing loss, a sensation of fullness in the ear, and recurrent ear infections. Some patients may also experience ear pain or drainage.

How is exostosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through otoscopic examination, where bony growths can be visualized. Imaging studies may be used in complex cases.

What treatment options are available for exostosis?

Treatment options range from observation in asymptomatic cases to surgical excision for symptomatic patients. Post-operative care is essential to prevent complications.