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H62.41 ICD-10-CM Code: Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, right ear

Compare with another codeCheck this code on a claim

Billing Status: YES. This is a valid, specific, and billable ICD-10-CM reference.

Coding at a Glance

Tabular directives
4 Excludes1 · 3 code-first instructions

Billable · FY2027A valid, specific ICD-10-CM code, reportable for dates of service in FY2027.

What you need to know

Source: CMS/NCHS Official ICD-10-CM tabular notes, quoted. From the CMS/NCHS tabular list for the release in force. A note the category or block publishes applies to this code too; the Instructions section marks which is which.

Code firstSequence the underlying condition before this code
  • underlying disease, such as:
  • erysipelas (A46)
  • impetigo (L01.0-)
Excludes1Never report with this code
  • otitis externa (in):
  • candidiasis (B37.84)
  • herpes viral herpes simplex
  • herpes zoster (B02.8)

Most relevant related codes MedCoder-derived

Read off the official notes above and this code’s own position in the tabular list. Which to report is a documentation question; Compare shows the two side by side.

CompareCheck ClaimView Related Codes

Inpatient Payment Groups (MS-DRG)

Potential MS-DRG participation — not a DRG assignment.

MS-DRGs this diagnosis helps define, as principal or secondary, per the CMS ICD-10-CM/PCS MS-DRG Definitions Manual v44, Appendix B.

  • MS-DRG 154 — OTHER EAR, NOSE, MOUTH AND THROAT DIAGNOSES WITH MCC (MDC 03)
  • MS-DRG 155 — OTHER EAR, NOSE, MOUTH AND THROAT DIAGNOSES WITH CC (MDC 03)
  • MS-DRG 156 — OTHER EAR, NOSE, MOUTH AND THROAT DIAGNOSES WITHOUT CC/MCC (MDC 03)

A diagnosis appearing in a group's logic does not by itself determine the DRG assigned to a stay; the grouper uses the full claim.

Coding instructions

Official Tabular Instructional Notes: the inclusion, exclusion and sequencing notes published for H62.41 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list, quoted as published.

Source: CMS/CDC — ICD-10-CM Tabular ListRelease: FY2027Effective: October 1, 2026

Trace:FY2027 changesChange historyRelease, file and checksum

Notes without a marker are published on H62.41 itself; “inherited from” names the category or block whose note applies here.

Excludes1 — Not Coded Here

Conditions generally not reported together with this code (Excludes1) -- an error unless the two conditions are documented as unrelated to each other (ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).

Code First

Underlying conditions that must be sequenced before this code.

  • underlying disease, such as:
  • erysipelas (A46)
  • impetigo (L01.0-)

Source: inherited from H62.4

Coder workflow for H62.41

MedCoder structured workflow — derived from this code’s own official record

Before you code H62.41

  1. H62.41 is a manifestation code (“in diseases classified elsewhere”). Confirm the underlying condition is documented and sequence it first; a manifestation code is not reported as the first-listed or principal diagnosis. The etiology/manifestation convention (Guidelines I.A.13).

    See the official tabular notes · Guide: Manifestation codes and Code First sequencing →

  2. Laterality is coded in this family. Confirm the side documented — right, left, or bilateral — and select the matching code (this page’s code: right). The unspecified-side code applies only when the record states no side. Laterality is assigned from the documented side; where a bilateral code exists and both sides are documented, it is used instead of two unilateral codes (Guidelines I.B.13).

    ReviewH62.42 · left, H62.43 · bilateral, H62.40 · unspecified

    Guide: Laterality coding →

  3. Check the Excludes1 note: if the documentation supports a condition named there, do not simply proceed with H62.41. Excludes1 conditions are not reported together with this code unless the record shows they are unrelated (Guidelines I.A.12.a).

    See the official tabular notes

Choose the right path

  1. Does the documentation support a condition named in H62.41’s Excludes1 note?
    Yes → Do not simply proceed: review the excluded code. Both are reported only when the record shows the two conditions are unrelated.
    No → Continue.

    ReviewB37.84, B02.8

  2. Is the underlying (etiologic) condition the Code First note names documented?
    Yes → Sequence the underlying condition first, then H62.41.
    No → A manifestation code needs its underlying condition — query before reporting it.

    ReviewA46, L01.0

  3. Is the side documented?
    Yes → Select the code for the documented side (or the bilateral code when both sides are documented and one exists).
    No → Use the unspecified-side code only when the record states no side; a query is the alternative.

    ReviewH62.42 · left, H62.43 · bilateral, H62.40 · unspecified

Consider H62.41. Then confirm the code is valid for the date of service in the Verify section.

Documentation check

The provider’s diagnostic statement
Codes are assigned from the provider’s documented diagnosis, not from clinical criteria, test values or a medication list (Guidelines I.A.19).
Laterality
Right, left or bilateral as documented; unspecified only when the record states no side (Guidelines I.B.13).
The underlying (etiologic) condition
Named in the Code First note; sequenced before this code when documented (Guidelines I.A.13).

Official instructions as workflow

  • Excludes1 — check before selecting H62.41(4 notes)

    Coding workflow: If the documentation supports a condition named in this note, do not simply proceed with H62.41: the two are not reported together. The one exception is when the record shows the two conditions are unrelated to each other.

    CompareB37.84, B02.8

    See the official tabular notes · Guidelines I.A.12.a

  • Code First — sequencing check(3 notes)

    Coding workflow: Check whether the underlying or etiologic condition the note names is documented. When it is, sequence it before H62.41. Do not add an underlying condition the record does not document.

    ReviewA46, L01.0

    See the official tabular notes · Guidelines I.A.13

Coding decision scenarios

Pattern scenarios for this code’s structure — decision rules, not clinical cases

Documentation: Both the condition H62.41 describes and a condition named in its Excludes1 note are documented for the same encounter.

Coding question: Can both codes be reported?

Path: Review the Excludes1 note and the excluded code, and look for a provider statement on whether the two conditions are related.

Reason: Excludes1 means the two are not coded together; the exception is when the record shows the conditions are unrelated to each other (Guidelines I.A.12.a).

ReviewB37.84, B02.8

Documentation: The record documents the condition on one side only.

Coding question: Which code in this family applies?

Path: Select the sibling code for the documented side.

Reason: Laterality is assigned from the documented side; the unspecified-side code is for records that state no side (Guidelines I.B.13).

ReviewH62.42 · left, H62.43 · bilateral, H62.40 · unspecified

Documentation: The underlying condition the Code First note names is documented alongside this condition.

Coding question: How are the two sequenced?

Path: Review the Code First note.

Reason: The underlying condition is sequenced first and the manifestation follows (Guidelines I.A.13).

ReviewA46, L01.0

Every row is derived from this code’s own record — its title, tabular notes, 7th-character family and same-category siblings — with fixed MedCoder wording; nothing is inferred about a patient. The official notes and guideline text are in the sections each row links to, and they control.

Don’t confuse H62.41 with…

MedCoder analysis — pairs from this code’s official notes, distinctions written by MedCoder

The codes most likely to be picked instead of H62.41 — named in its own official notes, or sharing its laterality or encounter family — with what separates them and which documentation moves the case. Each links to the full comparison.

  • B37.84— Excludes1 conflict (Excludes1 — generally not reported together)

    Not coded here — the tabular list excludes this pair for the same encounter.

    Not reported together with this code, except where the two conditions are documented as unrelated.

    What moves you there: Documentation of candidiasis moves the case to B37.84; the two are not reported together unless documented as unrelated.

    Full comparison: H62.41 vs B37.84 →

  • B02.8— Excludes1 conflict (Excludes1 — generally not reported together)

    Not coded here — the tabular list excludes this pair for the same encounter.

    Not reported together with this code, except where the two conditions are documented as unrelated.

    What moves you there: Documentation of herpes zoster moves the case to B02.8; the two are not reported together unless documented as unrelated.

    Full comparison: H62.41 vs B02.8 →

  • H62.40— Specificity relationship (Review)

    Overlapping diagnoses in the same category.

    Overlapping codes in the same category — the documentation decides which is the more specific fit.

    What moves you there: A record that documents no more than “Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear” takes H62.40; specificity in the record moves it back here.

    Full comparison: H62.41 vs H62.40 →

  • H62.42— Laterality relationship (Review)

    Same condition; these differ only in which side is documented.

    The same condition on the other side; the documented side decides, and a bilateral code, where one exists, replaces the pair when both sides are documented.

    What moves you there: A documented left side moves the case to H62.42.

    Full comparison: H62.41 vs H62.42 →

  • H62.43— Laterality relationship (Review)

    Same condition; these differ only in which side is documented.

    The same condition on the other side; the documented side decides, and a bilateral code, where one exists, replaces the pair when both sides are documented.

    What moves you there: Documentation of both sides moves the case to H62.43.

    Full comparison: H62.41 vs H62.43 →

Relationships are read from this code's own official notes, its laterality siblings and its encounter family; the wording of each distinction is MedCoder editorial, and the documentation named in each “what moves you there” line is the official note phrase or sibling title itself. Source: CMS ICD-10-CM tabular instructional notes; ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a.

Coding context

Guidelines, coding notes, decision aids, relationships (with MS-DRG and CCSR classification), hierarchy, HCC, coverage and the context map: what a coder reaches for after the core. Each section names whether it is official source data, a MedCoder-derived relationship or MedCoder editorial.

Code Overview

Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, right ear is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code (H62.41).

MedCoder summary Summary composed by MedCoder from this code's official ICD-10-CM record. The tabular instructional notes themselves appear verbatim below.

Official Coding Guidelines

No excerpt in the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines names this code specifically. Its chapter carries only this chapter-wide note:

Chapter 8: Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60-H95)

Reserved for future guideline expansion

Decision Points

The directives on this code's own record, as a pre-claim checklist.

  1. Laterality is coded in this family. Confirm the documented side matches the code — the opposite-side siblings are in the relationships section. See the opposite-side sibling codes
  2. Sequencing: 3 Code First instructions — the underlying condition is sequenced before this code when present. See the Code First notes
  3. 4 Excludes1 entries — codes named there are generally not reported together with this code (Guidelines I.A.12.a). See the Excludes1 notes

Checklist rows are derived from this code's own official directives; the wording of each check is MedCoder editorial. The official notes themselves are in the sections each row links to.

Verify Before Coding

  • Principal-diagnosis restriction. This is a manifestation code: the Medicare Code Editor requires the underlying condition (etiology) to be sequenced first, with this code reported after it.

From the code registry, the Medicare Code Editor, and the MS-DRG Definitions Manual. Check it against a full claim in Claim Check.

Relationships & Classification

MedCoder-derived relationships — computed from published CMS and AHRQ datasets

Other codes that name H62.41 or its code family, from the CMS ICD-10-CM Index to Diseases and Injuries.

Referenced by 4 Index etiology/manifestation pairs: B34.9 — Viral infection, unspecified (via H62.4.-), B36.9 — Superficial mycosis, unspecified (via H62.4.-), B89 — Unspecified parasitic disease (via H62.4.-), B99 — Other and unspecified infectious diseases (via H62.4.-).

The ICD-10-CM Index lists these etiology codes with this code in brackets — the manifestation, reported second.

MS-DRG Grouper Relationships (FY2027)

Potential MS-DRG participation — not a DRG assignment.

FY2027 MS-DRG: not on the CMS CC/MCC list — as a secondary diagnosis this code does not change MS-DRG severity for that release.

Named in the grouper logic of 3 MS-DRGs: DRG 154 (MDC 03), DRG 155 (MDC 03), DRG 156 (MDC 03).

From the CMS MS-DRG Definitions Manual (Appendices B and C). Actual DRG assignment depends on the complete claim.

Clinical classification (AHRQ CCSR):EAR006 — Other specified and unspecified disorders of the ear.

Clinical Classifications Software Refined (CCSR) for ICD-10-CM Diagnoses. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Related Codes

Principal diagnosis restriction (Medicare Code Editor)

Manifestation code — the underlying condition is sequenced first.

Same condition, opposite side

Same category and title, differing only in which side of the body is affected.

H62.40 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear (unspecified)Compare H62.41 vs H62.40 →, H62.42 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear (left)Compare H62.41 vs H62.42 →, H62.43 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, bilateral (bilateral)Compare H62.41 vs H62.43 →

Same clinical category (CCSR)

AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software groups these diagnoses under the same clinical category (Other specified and unspecified disorders of the ear).

H61.819 — Exostosis of external canal, unspecified ear, H61.891 — Other specified disorders of right external ear, H61.892 — Other specified disorders of left external ear, H61.893 — Other specified disorders of external ear, bilateral, H61.899 — Other specified disorders of external ear, unspecified ear, H61.90 — Disorder of external ear, unspecified, unspecified ear, H61.91 — Disorder of right external ear, unspecified, H61.92 — Disorder of left external ear, unspecified, H61.93 — Disorder of external ear, unspecified, bilateral, H62.40 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear, H62.42 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear, H62.43 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, bilateral, H62.8X1 — Other disorders of right external ear in diseases classified elsewhere, H62.8X2 — Other disorders of left external ear in diseases classified elsewhere, H62.8X3 — Other disorders of external ear in diseases classified elsewhere, bilateral, H62.8X9 — Other disorders of external ear in diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear, H92.01 — Otalgia, right ear, H92.02 — Otalgia, left ear, H92.03 — Otalgia, bilateral, H92.09 — Otalgia, unspecified ear, +190 more

Contextual Map

Every relationship of H62.41 in one view: hierarchy, official tabular instructions in both directions, clinical classification, risk adjustment, MS-DRG participation, index terms and change history — each edge carrying the CMS source it derives from.

Hierarchy

Referenced by Index etiology/manifestation pairs

Clinical classification (CCSR)

MS-DRG Grouper

MDC crossing

  • MDC 03 — Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat[MDC crossing]: “Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat — the grouper's crossing between diagnoses and procedures: a principal diagnosis sets the MDC, and same-MDC procedures move the stay to its surgical DRGs. 5,151 same-MDC procedures group here; browse them on the MDC page.”— CMS MS-DRG Definitions Manual · FY2027

Nearest codes (11)

Change history

  • FY2016 — In the code set at ICD-10-CM adoption [Change history]— CMS release files (code change ledger) · icd10cm-fy2016

Reference

Index terms and tables, published questions and FAQ, every source behind this page with its release and checksum, the date-of-service check and the complete change history.

Sources for this page

Codes, titles, notes, index terms and mappings on this page are transcribed from the datasets below. Relationships MedCoder computed and text MedCoder wrote are labelled where they appear.

Code, title, tabular notes and index terms Official source data
CMS/CDC ICD-10-CM FY2027 tabular list, index and tables, effective October 1, 2026 Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Coding guidelines Official source data
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting (FY2027), quoted by section Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Claim edits Official source data
CMS Definitions of Medicare Code Edits — v44.0 (October 2026) Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Inpatient payment groups Official source data
CMS MS-DRG Definitions Manual (incl. Appendix B diagnosis index, Appendix C CC/MCC list, Appendix E procedure index) and IPPS Final Rule tables — v44 Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Change history and date-of-service validity Official source data
CMS ICD-10-CM release addenda, ingested release by release into the change ledger Release, file and checksum · Publisher’s page
Comparisons, relationships and the contextual map MedCoder-derived relationship
Computed by MedCoder from the tabular notes and tables above; every derived relationship is marked as derived where it appears
Summary and FAQ answers MedCoder editorial explanation
Written by MedCoder to explain the sources above: drafted with AI assistance, checked by a person against the release files, and labelled as MedCoder text where it appears. Not official text.

Current data releases:ICD-10-CM FY2027 · ICD-10-PCS FY2027 · HCPCS October 2026 · MS-DRG v44 · Medicare Code Editor v44.0 · NCCI PTP Q4 2026 · MUE Q4 2026 · NCD code lists 2026-01 · LCD export September 28, 2026 · All releases and sources

Labels on this page: Official source data · MedCoder-derived relationship · MedCoder editorial explanation. How to read the labels · All data sources and release dates · CMS coding rules

Cite this page

Reference this page in a research guide, syllabus or article. The release is included because code content changes each year.

MedCoder.ai. "H62.41 — Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, right ear." ICD-10-CM FY2027. https://medcoder.ai/icd10/code/h62.41-otitis-externa-in-other-diseases-classified-elsewhere-right-ear

Change history

  • FY2016 — October 1, 2015
    In the code set at ICD-10-CM adoption
    Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, right ear

No changes since FY2016 — additions, deletions, description changes and billable-status changes are tracked through FY2027, and none are recorded for this code. Note changes are tracked from FY2027 only.

Nearest Codes in This Family

Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to H62.41 in its code family, with their registry titles.

View all codes in the H62 family