Impacted cerumen, right ear

This code signifies the presence of a significant accumulation of earwax in the right external auditory canal that is causing symptoms or obstructing the ear canal, preventing proper examination. This impaction can lead to hearing loss, earache, tinnitus, or a feeling of fullness in the ear.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates impacted cerumen specifically in the right ear. This diagnosis is typically supported by an otoscopic examination revealing a complete or near-complete occlusion of the right external auditory canal by cerumen, often accompanied by patient-reported symptoms.

• Ensure the laterality (right ear) is explicitly documented; do not assume.
• Do not use this code for simple cerumen accumulation that is not impacted or symptomatic.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for symptoms like hearing loss (e.g., H91.9x) if documented as a direct result of the impaction.