ICD-10 Code H60.329 – Hemorrhagic otitis externa, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.329 – Hemorrhagic otitis externa, unspecified ear
What it is
H60.329 identifies hemorrhagic otitis externa affecting an unspecified ear. Use it when the external ear canal is inflamed and there is bleeding, but the side is not documented.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear canal inflammation with bloody discharge, pain, itching, or tenderness. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the affected ear and any associated infection details.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents hemorrhagic otitis externa and does not specify right or left ear. It also fits notes describing bleeding from the external auditory canal with otitis externa, when the site remains unspecified. Check documentation if the record is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for otitis media, traumatic ear bleeding without otitis externa, or cases where the ear side is specified and a more exact code is available. Check documentation.
Coding tip
If the note names the affected ear, code the laterality instead of unspecified ear.