ICD-10 Code for Left External Ear Canal Infection
The ICD-10 code for left external ear canal infection (acute otitis externa) is H60.502 (unspecified acute noninfective otitis externa, left ear) or more specifically H60.332 (swimmer's ear, left ear) if related to water exposure, though the most commonly used code for bacterial acute otitis externa of the left ear is H60.312.
Understanding the Coding Context
The provided evidence focuses on the clinical management of acute otitis externa rather than ICD-10 coding specifics. However, based on standard ICD-10-CM coding practices and the clinical descriptions in the evidence:
Primary Code Options
H60.312 - Diffuse otitis externa, left ear - This is the most appropriate code when bacterial infection of the left external ear canal is documented, as nearly all (98%) cases in North America are bacterial, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20-60%) and Staphylococcus aureus (10-70%) being the most common pathogens 1
H60.332 - Swimmer's ear, left ear - Use this code when the infection is specifically associated with water exposure, as AOE is strongly associated with recreational water activities, bathing, and excessive sweating 2
H60.502 - Unspecified acute noninfective otitis externa, left ear - This is a less specific option when the infectious nature hasn't been definitively established
Special Circumstance Codes
H60.13 - Chronic otitis externa, left ear - Reserved for cases where allergies or underlying inflammatory dermatologic conditions are present rather than acute bacterial infection 3
For fungal external otitis (otomycosis), which is uncommon in primary acute otitis externa but may develop after antibiotic treatment, consider B36.9 (Otomycosis, unspecified) as an additional code 4
For necrotizing (malignant) otitis externa in immunocompromised or diabetic patients, use H60.23 with laterality specification, as this severe form requires special consideration 5
Clinical Documentation Tips
- Ensure documentation specifies laterality (left ear) to support the fifth-digit specificity required in ICD-10 coding
- Document whether the condition is acute versus chronic, as this affects code selection 3
- Note any underlying conditions (diabetes, immunocompromised status) that may require additional diagnosis codes, as patients with diabetes are more susceptible to complications 6
- Specify if fungal involvement is present, particularly after antibiotic treatment, as this requires different coding 4