ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code H61.009: Unspecified perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear

H61.009 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Unspecified perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 26 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents unspecified perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
8Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
block
H60-H62Diseases of external ear
category
H61Other disorders of external ear
category
H61.0Chondritis and perichondritis of external ear
category
H61.00Unspecified perichondritis of external ear
currentH61.00

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

ENT Specialist

Coverage-related procedures and services

CPT 17111high
DESTRUCTION (EG, LASER SURGERY, ELECTROSURGERY, CRYOSURGERY, CHEMOSURGERY, SURGICAL CURETTEMENT), OF BENIGN LESIONS OTHER THAN SKIN TAGS OR CUTANEOUS VASCULAR PROLIFERATIVE LESIONS; 15 OR MORE LESIONS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 17110high
DESTRUCTION (EG, LASER SURGERY, ELECTROSURGERY, CRYOSURGERY, CHEMOSURGERY, SURGICAL CURETTEMENT), OF BENIGN LESIONS OTHER THAN SKIN TAGS OR CUTANEOUS VASCULAR PROLIFERATIVE LESIONS; UP TO 14 LESIONS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11420high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 0.5 CM OR LESS
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11421high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 0.6 TO 1.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11422high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 1.1 TO 2.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance
CPT 11423high
EXCISION, BENIGN LESION INCLUDING MARGINS, EXCEPT SKIN TAG (UNLESS LISTED ELSEWHERE), SCALP, NECK, HANDS, FEET, GENITALIA; EXCISED DIAMETER 2.1 TO 3.0 CM
Source: CMS coverage guidance

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Unspecified perichondritis of external ear, unspecified earUnspecified perichondritis of external ear

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeH61.009
SystemICD10
Display nameUnspecified perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear
ChapterDiseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
BlockDiseases of external ear

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code H61.009 for Unspecified perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear | HealthAssure