Malignant otitis externa, unspecified ear

This code signifies a severe, invasive infection of the external auditory canal and surrounding structures, often extending into the skull base. It is a necrotizing osteomyelitis typically caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, particularly diabetics.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of malignant otitis externa without specifying laterality. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical findings of persistent otorrhea, severe otalgia, granulation tissue in the external auditory canal, and imaging evidence of bone erosion.

• Do not use this code if the laterality (right, left, or bilateral) is documented; instead, select a more specific code from the H60.2- subcategory.
• Always look for documentation of the underlying cause, such as diabetes mellitus, and code it as a secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from acute otitis externa (H60.3-) or chronic otitis externa (H60.4-), which are less severe infections.