Other infective otitis externa, unspecified ear

This code signifies an infection of the external ear canal that is not specifically bacterial, fungal, or viral, and the specific type of infection is not further defined. It represents an inflammatory condition of the outer ear caused by an unspecified infectious agent.

Use this code when documentation indicates an infective otitis externa, but the causative organism (e.g., bacterial, fungal, viral) is not specified, and the affected ear is also not specified. This is appropriate when the provider diagnoses an infection of the outer ear but lacks the specificity for a more precise code.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies a bacterial, fungal, or viral cause; instead, use a more specific code from the H60.3 subcategory.
• Always attempt to clarify with the provider if the laterality (left, right, bilateral) is not documented to allow for a more specific code.
• This code should be used when the infectious agent is truly unknown or unconfirmed, and no further clinical information is available.