Acute perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear

This code signifies an acute inflammatory process affecting the perichondrium (the connective tissue surrounding cartilage) of the external ear. It typically presents with pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness of the auricle, often following trauma, infection, or surgery.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates acute inflammation of the external ear's perichondrium, and the affected ear (left or right) is not specified. This diagnosis is often supported by physical examination findings of localized ear swelling and erythema, sometimes with a history of recent injury or piercing.

• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" perichondritis; chronic cases use different codes.
• Always attempt to clarify the affected ear (left or right) with the provider to use a more specific code if possible.
• Differentiate from otitis externa (H60.-) which involves the skin of the ear canal, not primarily the perichondrium.