ICD-10 Code H60.11 – Cellulitis of right external ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.11 – Cellulitis of right external ear
What it is
H60.11 identifies cellulitis affecting the right external ear. Use it when documentation specifies a bacterial skin and soft tissue infection of the right pinna or auricle.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include localized redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness of the right external ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality and whether the infection is limited to the external ear.
When to use this code
Use H60.11 when the provider documents cellulitis of the right external ear, right auricle, or right pinna. This code supports laterality-specific reporting when the infection is clearly described as involving the external ear only.
If the note says “ear cellulitis” without laterality, or describes a different ear structure, check documentation before coding. Confirm that the condition is cellulitis rather than otitis externa or another ear disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for left-sided or bilateral external ear cellulitis. Do not assign it for nonspecific ear pain, otitis externa, or other non-cellulitis infections; check documentation.
Coding tip
Verify the side and the anatomic term in the note before selecting H60.11.