Acute actinic otitis externa, unspecified ear

This code signifies an acute inflammatory condition of the external ear canal caused by excessive sun exposure, without specifying which ear is affected. It presents as a sudden onset of redness, swelling, and pain in the outer ear due to actinic damage.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an acute otitis externa resulting from sun exposure, and the specific ear (left or right) is not documented. This diagnosis is typically supported by a history of recent sun exposure and clinical findings consistent with inflammation of the external auditory canal.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "acute" and "actinic" as the cause; otherwise, a different code for otitis externa may be more appropriate.
• If the laterality (left or right ear) is documented, use the more specific codes H60.511 (right ear) or H60.512 (left ear).
• Do not use this code for chronic or non-actinic forms of otitis externa.