ICD-10 Code H61.199 – Noninfective disorders of pinna, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H61.199 – Noninfective disorders of pinna, unspecified ear
What it is
This code identifies a noninfectious condition affecting the external ear, or pinna, when the documentation does not specify which ear. Use it for disorders such as irritation, deformity, or other noninfective ear findings. Check documentation.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. You may see visible changes of the pinna, local tenderness, swelling, redness, itching, or structural abnormality without evidence of infection.
When to use this code
Use H61.199 when the provider documents a noninfective disorder of the pinna and does not identify the right or left ear. It is appropriate when the record describes an external ear problem but does not support an infectious diagnosis. If the note names a specific ear or a more exact disorder, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious otitis externa, middle ear disease, or conditions limited to the ear canal. Also avoid it when documentation clearly identifies the right or left ear or a more specific pinna disorder.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider documented a noninfective pinna condition and that laterality is truly unspecified before assigning H61.199.