Chronic perichondritis of external ear, unspecified ear

This code signifies a persistent, long-term inflammation of the perichondrium, the connective tissue covering the cartilage of the external ear. This condition is characterized by chronic pain, swelling, and tenderness of the auricle, without specifying which ear is affected.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a chronic inflammatory process of the external ear cartilage's covering, and the specific ear (left or right) is not documented. This diagnosis is often supported by a history of recurrent or prolonged ear pain and swelling, sometimes following trauma or infection.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" to differentiate from acute perichondritis (H60.0-).
• Avoid using this code if the laterality (left or right ear) is specified; instead, use H61.021 or H61.022.
• Look for underlying causes, such as trauma or infection, which may require additional coding.