Other noninfective acute otitis externa, right ear

This code signifies an acute inflammatory condition of the external auditory canal in the right ear that is not caused by an infection. It encompasses various non-infectious etiologies, such as allergic reactions, irritant contact dermatitis, or trauma, leading to sudden onset of pain, itching, and discharge.

Apply this code when documentation specifies acute otitis externa of the right ear, and the physician explicitly rules out an infectious cause. This is appropriate for conditions like acute allergic otitis externa or acute irritant contact dermatitis of the external ear canal.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "noninfective" and specifies the "right ear."
• Distinguish from infectious otitis externa (H60.3-) and chronic forms (H60.4-).
• If later determined to be infectious, a more specific code for infectious otitis externa should be used.