Chronic perichondritis of external ear, bilateral

This code signifies a persistent, inflammatory condition affecting the perichondrium, the connective tissue covering the cartilage of both external ears. It indicates a long-standing inflammation of this tissue, which can lead to pain, swelling, and deformity of the auricle.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "chronic perichondritis" affecting both external ears. This diagnosis is typically supported by a history of recurrent or persistent inflammation, physical examination findings of bilateral ear swelling, tenderness, and possibly thickening or deformity.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" and "bilateral" to support this code.
• Distinguish from acute perichondritis (H61.01-) or unspecified perichondritis (H61.00-).
• Look for associated conditions like trauma or infection that might be coded separately as a secondary diagnosis.