ICD-10 Code H61.0 – Chondritis and perichondritis of external ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H61.0 – Chondritis and perichondritis of external ear
What it is
H61.0 identifies inflammation of the cartilage or cartilage covering of the external ear. Use it when documentation specifies chondritis or perichondritis affecting the outer ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the auricle. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for whether cartilage involvement is described.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents chondritis, perichondritis, or both in the external ear. It may apply when the note clearly states inflammatory involvement of the pinna or auricular cartilage. Check documentation if the site is only “ear” without a specific external ear diagnosis.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for middle ear disease, otitis externa, or nonspecific ear pain alone. If the record does not confirm external ear cartilage inflammation, check documentation.
Coding tip
Assign H61.0 only when the external ear cartilage is explicitly involved, and code the documented laterality or cause separately if supported.