H61.02
Non-Billable

Chronic perichondritis of external ear

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Chronic perichondritis of external ear?

ICD-10-CM H61.02 is the diagnosis code for Chronic perichondritis of external ear. This code falls under the section "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for H61.02

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H61.02 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H61.021Chronic perichondritis of right external earBillableH61.022Chronic perichondritis of left external earBillableH61.023Chronic perichondritis of external ear, bilateralBillableH61.029Chronic perichondritis of external ear, unspecified earBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H61.02 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H61.02 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H61.02 mean?

H61.02 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Chronic perichondritis of external ear". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H61.02?

The parent code of H61.02 is H61.0 ("Chondritis and perichondritis of external ear"). H61.02 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H61.02 in?

H61.02 is located in Section H60-H62 — "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H61.02?

H61.02 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H61.021, H61.022, H61.023, H61.029.

When should I use H61.02?

Use H61.02 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Chronic perichondritis of external ear" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Chronic perichondritis of external ear?

The ICD-10-CM code for Chronic perichondritis of external ear is H61.02.

Can H61.02 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H61.02 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H61.02 in?

H61.02 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is H61.02 valid for 2026?

Yes, H61.02 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH61.019Acute perichondritis of external ear, unspecified earNext →H61.021Chronic perichondritis of right external ear
Code Details
H61.02
Chronic perichondritis of external ear
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
H60-H62 — Diseases of external ear
2026 ICD-10-CM