Acquired stenosis of right external ear canal, unspecified

This code signifies a narrowing or obstruction of the right external auditory canal that developed after birth. This stenosis can be caused by various factors such as inflammation, trauma, or dermatological conditions affecting the ear canal. It often leads to symptoms like hearing loss, ear fullness, or recurrent infections.

Assign this code when documentation specifies an acquired, non-congenital narrowing of the right external ear canal, and the specific cause or type of stenosis is not further detailed. This is appropriate for initial encounters or when the etiology is still under investigation. Supporting documentation should clearly indicate the laterality and the acquired nature of the stenosis.

• Do not use for congenital stenosis; refer to codes in the Q16 series.
• If the cause of the stenosis is known (e.g., post-inflammatory, post-traumatic), use a more specific code from the H61.3 subcategory.
• Ensure laterality (right ear) is explicitly documented to support this specific code.