What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. 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 impacted cerumen in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
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.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
8Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
block
H60-H62Diseases of external ear
category
H61Other disorders of external ear
currentH61
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Wax in ear
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related specialists
ENT Specialist
Related codes
Sibling codes
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 126946000high
Excessive cerumen in ear canal
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 18070006high
Impacted cerumen
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 306938008high
Ventilation tube obscured by wax
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 271739002high
Wax in ear canal
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
H61.2
Replacement codes
H61.20 — Impacted cerumen, unspecified earH61.21 — Impacted cerumen, right earH61.22 — Impacted cerumen, left earH61.23 — Impacted cerumen, bilateral
Common synonyms
Impacted cerumen
Frequently asked questions
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.