ICD-10 Code H61.033 – Chondritis of external ear, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H61.033 – Chondritis of external ear, bilateral
What it is
Use this code for inflammation of the cartilage of both external ears. It describes a bilateral chondritis affecting the auricle, not the ear canal or middle ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include painful, tender, swollen, or red external ear cartilage on both sides. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Assign H61.033 when the provider documents chondritis of the external ear and specifies that both ears are involved. Use it for confirmed bilateral auricular cartilage inflammation, whether acute or chronic, if no more specific diagnosis is recorded.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for otitis externa, ear lobe infection, or nonspecific ear pain without cartilage involvement. If the record does not clearly state bilateral chondritis, check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for explicit wording such as “bilateral external ear chondritis” or “both auricles” before selecting H61.033.