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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH61.893

H61.893

Billable

Other specified disorders of external ear, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H61.893 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other specified disorders of external ear, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H61.893 refers to various unspecified disorders affecting the external ear bilaterally. These disorders can include conditions such as external ear infections, dermatitis, or other inflammatory processes that do not fall under more specific categories. Clinical presentations may vary widely, including symptoms like itching, redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear. Diagnostic criteria typically involve a thorough physical examination, patient history, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other conditions. Management may include topical or systemic medications, lifestyle modifications, or surgical interventions in severe cases. 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

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive patient history and examination
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions
  • Documentation requirements for specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of clinical findings
  • Lack of specificity in the diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of bilateral versus unilateral conditions
  • Failure to document treatment plans or follow-up

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on patient history, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with bilateral ear infections, dermatitis, or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of bilateral involvement and any specific treatments administered.

Dermatology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of skin conditions affecting the ear, including photographs if applicable.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with eczema or psoriasis affecting the external ear.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of the condition and any treatments that may impact the ear.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H61.893 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • 893 should be used when the specific disorder of the external ear is not classified elsewhere
  • Ensure to document bilateral involvement clearly

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H61.893 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

When a patient presents with cerumen impaction leading to external ear issues.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may frequently perform this procedure in conjunction with diagnosing external ear disorders.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear disorders, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like those represented by H61.893. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear disorders, improving the ability to capture the complexity of conditions like those represented by H61.893. This specificity aids in better patient management 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 conditions are included under H61.893?

H61.893 includes various unspecified disorders of the external ear that do not fit into more specific categories, such as dermatitis, infections, or inflammatory conditions affecting both ears.