ICD-10 Code H60.39 – Other infective otitis externa (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.39 – Other infective otitis externa
What it is
H60.39 identifies an infectious inflammation of the external ear canal that does not fit a more specific otitis externa code. Use it when documentation states an infective cause but does not name the organism or subtype.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear canal pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, discharge, or itching. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation when the record does not clearly describe infectious otitis externa.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents infective otitis externa and the chart does not specify fungal, bacterial, or another more exact form. It also fits cases where the external ear canal infection is described as “other” or unspecified by organism.
Confirm that the problem is in the external canal, not the middle ear or pinna. If documentation supports a more specific otitis externa code, code that option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for noninfective ear canal inflammation, swimmer’s ear without infectious documentation, or otitis media. Check documentation if the site of infection is unclear.
Coding tip
Code H60.39 only when the record supports an infectious external ear condition and no more specific otitis externa code is documented.