ICD-10 Code H61.039 – Chondritis of external ear, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H61.039 – Chondritis of external ear, unspecified ear
What it is
This code identifies inflammation of the cartilage of the external ear when the affected ear is not specified. Use it for documented chondritis involving the auricle, not the ear canal or middle ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness over the outer ear cartilage. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the record does not clearly identify the external ear.
When to use this code
Use H61.039 when the provider documents chondritis of the external ear but does not specify left or right ear. It also fits when the note describes auricular cartilage inflammation without a more specific diagnosis. If the record names a different ear condition, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for otitis externa, perichondritis, or other infections that are separately documented. Do not assign it when the affected ear is specified and a laterality-specific code is available.
Coding tip
Review the note for laterality and for whether the problem is cartilage inflammation versus canal or skin disease.