Acute eczematoid otitis externa, unspecified ear

This code describes an acute inflammatory condition of the external ear canal characterized by eczema-like skin changes, such as redness, itching, scaling, and weeping. It indicates that the specific ear affected (left or right) is not documented.

Use this code when documentation specifies acute eczematoid otitis externa but does not specify laterality. This diagnosis is typically made based on clinical examination revealing the characteristic skin changes within the external auditory canal.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "acute" and "eczematoid" to differentiate from other forms of otitis externa.
• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies the affected ear (e.g., right or left); instead, use the more specific H60.541 or H60.542.
• If the condition is chronic, a different code from the H60.55- series should be used.