ICD-10 Code H60.6 – Unspecified chronic otitis externa (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.6 – Unspecified chronic otitis externa
What it is
H60.6 identifies chronic inflammation of the external ear canal when the specific type is not documented. Use it when the record confirms a long-standing otitis externa but does not name an exact cause or subtype.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include persistent ear canal irritation, itching, discomfort, and recurrent inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the exact presentation and any noted drainage, swelling, or skin changes.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents chronic otitis externa without further detail. It also fits follow-up visits for ongoing external ear canal inflammation when the chart does not specify fungal, bacterial, allergic, or other chronic subtype.
Do not use for
Do not use it for acute otitis externa or when a more specific chronic form is documented. Check documentation if the condition is limited to the middle ear, because that requires a different code.
Coding tip
Code the most specific ear condition documented, and query if chronic otitis externa is recorded without laterality or cause details.