Otitis Externa ICD-10-CM Codes

Explore ICD-10-CM codes for otitis externa in 2023. Learn about common codes, billable statuses, and gain clinical insights in this comprehensive guide.

By Joshua Napilay on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Ericka Pingol.

Use Code

What ICD-10 Codes are Used for Otitis Externa

Otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer's ear, is an infection or inflammation of the ear canal. Here are ten commonly used ICD-10-CM codes for Otitis Externa, along with brief clinical descriptions:

H60.10 - Cellulitis of right external ear: Used for cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, in the right external ear.

H60.11 - Cellulitis of left external ear: Applied for cellulitis in the left external ear.

H60.12 - Cellulitis of external ear, unspecified: Utilized for cellulitis of the external ear when the side is unspecified.

H60.20 - Malignant otitis externa of right ear: Used when malignant otitis externa, a severe ear infection, affects the right ear.

H60.21 - Malignant otitis externa of left ear: Applied when malignant otitis externa affects the left ear.

H60.22 - Malignant otitis externa, bilateral: Utilized for malignant otitis externa affecting both ears.

H60.90 - Otitis externa, unspecified: Used when otitis externa is diagnosed, but the specific type or cause is unspecified.

H60.91 - Other acute external otitis, right ear: Applied for other acute external otitis in the right ear.

H60.92 - Other acute external otitis, left ear: Utilized for other acute external otitis in the left ear.

H60.93 - Other acute external otitis, unspecified ear: Used for other acute external otitis when the ear is unspecified.

Which Otitis Externa ICD Codes are Billable

The billable status of the mentioned ICD-10 codes for otitis externa varies:

H60.10 - Cellulitis of right external ear: Yes, billable. Medical expenses related to cellulitis in the right external ear can be claimed.

H60.11 - Cellulitis of left external ear: Yes, billable. Costs associated with cellulitis in the left external ear can be reimbursed.

H60.12 - Cellulitis of external ear, unspecified: Yes, billable. When the side is unspecified, medical expenses for cellulitis of the external ear can be claimed.

H60.20 - Malignant otitis externa of right ear: Yes, billable. Expenses related to malignant otitis externa in the right ear can be claimed.

H60.21 - Malignant otitis externa of left ear: Yes, billable. Medical expenses for malignant otitis externa in the left ear can be claimed.

H60.22 - Malignant otitis externa, bilateral: Yes, billable. Costs associated with malignant otitis externa affecting both ears can be reimbursed.

H60.90 - Otitis externa, unspecified: Yes, billable. Medical expenses for otitis externa with unspecified type or cause can be claimed.

H60.91 - Other acute external otitis, right ear: Yes, billable. Expenses related to other acute external otitis in the right ear can be claimed.

H60.92 - Other acute external otitis, left ear: Yes, billable. Medical expenses for other acute external otitis in the left ear can be claimed.

H60.93 - Other acute external otitis, unspecified ear: Yes, billable. Other acute external otitis costs can be reimbursed when the ear is unspecified.

Clinical Information

Otitis Externa, also known as swimmer's ear, is an infection or inflammation of the external ear canal.
It is often caused by bacterial or fungal overgrowth, usually due to moisture trapped in the ear.
Assessment involves a medical history, including symptoms like ear pain, itching, drainage, or hearing loss.
Physical examination typically reveals redness, swelling, and sometimes discharge in the ear canal.
Diagnosis is usually clinical, but a swab of the ear canal may be taken for culture if the infection is severe or recurrent.
Treatment may include topical antibiotics or antifungal ear drops and pain management.
Patients should be educated on the importance of keeping the ear dry and avoiding further water exposure.
Referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist may be necessary for severe or chronic cases.
Follow-up is essential to monitor treatment effectiveness and ensure resolution of the infection.
Prevention strategies include ear protection during water activities and proper ear hygiene, avoiding inserting objects into the ear canal.

Synonyms Include

Swimmer's Ear
Ear Canal Infection
External Ear Infection
Ear Canal Inflammation
Otitis Externa Infection
Ear Swelling and Pain

Commonly asked questions

Otitis externa is often caused by water exposure, which can create a moist environment in the ear canal, making it susceptible to infection. It can also result from scratches or irritation of the ear canal, as well as the use of objects like cotton swabs that can damage the ear canal lining.

Otitis externa itself is not contagious, but the infection causing it can be spread if an infected person's ear drainage comes into contact with another person's ears. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items is essential to prevent transmission.

Otitis externa can often be prevented by keeping the ears dry, avoiding inserting objects into the ear canal, and practicing good ear hygiene. Using earplugs when swimming and promptly drying the ears after water exposure can also help reduce the risk.

EHR and practice management software

Get started for free

*No credit card required

Start for free

Free

$0/usd

Unlimited clients

Telehealth

1GB of storage

Client portal text