ICD-10 Code H60.1 – Cellulitis of external ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.1 – Cellulitis of external ear
What it is
H60.1 identifies cellulitis involving the external ear. Use it when documentation describes a bacterial soft tissue infection of the outer ear, including the auricle or pinna.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness of the external ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for whether the infection is localized or spreading.
When to use this code
Use H60.1 when the provider documents cellulitis of the external ear or pinna. It also fits encounters where the diagnosis is confirmed and the note clearly identifies the outer ear as the infected site.
If the record only says “ear infection” without specifying the external ear, check documentation before assigning this code. Code the documented anatomic site, not a presumed location.
Do not use for
Do not use H60.1 for otitis media, otitis externa, or nonspecific ear pain. If the documentation does not clearly support cellulitis of the external ear, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm the anatomic site in the provider note; “external ear,” “auricle,” and “pinna” support this code, but vague “ear infection” wording does not.