Is ICD-10-CM code H61 billable?

No, H61 (Other disorders of external ear) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code H61 belong to?

H61 belongs to Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: H60–H95 (Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process).

H61Not billable, use a more specific code below

Other disorders of external ear

In Diseases of external ear (H60-H62), chapter 8: Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process

64 billable codes under H61: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 8 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.8 (page 49)

All codes under H61

H61 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

H61 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under H61 group to these 8 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 154 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC (48 of 64 codes)
DRG 155 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC (48 of 64 codes)
DRG 156 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC (48 of 64 codes)
DRG 564 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with MCC (12 of 64 codes)
DRG 565 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses with CC (12 of 64 codes)
DRG 566 Other Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Diagnoses without CC/MCC (12 of 64 codes)
DRG 152 Otitis Media and URI with MCC (4 of 64 codes)
DRG 153 Otitis Media and URI without MCC (4 of 64 codes)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Ear Disorders

An ear disorder is any condition that changes or harms the shape or structure of your ear. This can include abnormal ear shapes you're born with, injuries that change your ear's shape, and a growth on or in the ear.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.