Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H61

Other disorders of external ear

ICD-10-CM Code:
H61
ICD-10 Code for:
Other disorders of external ear
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
    (H60–H95)
    • Diseases of external ear
      (H60-H62)
      • Other disorders of external ear
        (H61)

H61 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of other disorders of external ear. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Other disorders of external ear

Non-specific codes like H61 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for other disorders of external ear:

  • H61.0 for Chondritis and perichondritis of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.00 for Unspecified perichondritis of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.01 for Acute perichondritis of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.02 for Chronic perichondritis of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.03 for Chondritis of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.1 for Noninfective disorders of pinna - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.10 for Unspecified noninfective disorders of pinna - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.11 for Acquired deformity of pinna - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.12 for Hematoma of pinna - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.19 for Other noninfective disorders of pinna - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.2 for Impacted cerumen - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.20 for Impacted cerumen, unspecified ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.21 for Impacted cerumen, right ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.22 for Impacted cerumen, left ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.23 for Impacted cerumen, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.3 for Acquired stenosis of external ear canal - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.30 for Acquired stenosis of external ear canal, unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.31 for Acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to trauma - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.32 for Acquired stenosis of external ear canal secondary to inflammation and infection - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.39 for Other acquired stenosis of external ear canal - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.8 for Other specified disorders of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.81 for Exostosis of external canal - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.89 for Other specified disorders of external ear - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • H61.9 for Disorder of external ear, unspecified - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.90 for Disorder of external ear, unspecified, unspecified ear - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.91 for Disorder of right external ear, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.92 for Disorder of left external ear, unspecified - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use H61.93 for Disorder of external ear, unspecified, bilateral - BILLABLE CODE

Patient Education


Ear Disorders

Your ear has three main parts: outer, middle and inner. You use all of them in hearing. Sound waves come in through your outer ear. They reach your middle ear, where they make your eardrum vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through three tiny bones, called ossicles, in your middle ear. The vibrations travel to your inner ear, a snail-shaped organ. The inner ear makes the nerve impulses that are sent to the brain. Your brain recognizes them as sounds. The inner ear also controls balance.

A variety of conditions may affect your hearing or balance:

  • Ear infections are the most common illness in infants and young children.
  • Tinnitus, a roaring in your ears, can be the result of loud noises, medicines or a variety of other causes.
  • Meniere's disease may be the result of fluid problems in your inner ear; its symptoms include tinnitus and dizziness.
  • Ear barotrauma is an injury to your ear because of changes in barometric (air) or water pressure.

Some ear disorders can result in hearing disorders and deafness.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.