ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Listen Up: Synonyms Light Path to Cellulitis Dx
Question: Encounter notes indicate that a patient suffered from ‘auricular cellulitis.’ I can’t find an ICD-10 code for this condition; can you help? AAPC Forum Subscriber Answer: You’ll report a code from the H60.1- (Cellulitis of external ear) code set. In the notes beneath H60.1- “Cellulitis of auricle” is listed as a synonym for external ear cellulitis. (ICD-10 also lists “Cellulitis of external auditory canal” as a synonym for external ear cellulitis.) You will, however, need more information to accurately code this patient’s condition. Go back and check the notes, then choose one of the following ICD-10 codes based on encounter specifics: 
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