ICD-10 Code H60.12 – Cellulitis of left external ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.12 – Cellulitis of left external ear
What it is
H60.12 identifies cellulitis affecting the left external ear. It refers to a bacterial infection of the outer ear skin and soft tissue, not the middle or inner ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include localized redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness of the left external ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for extent, drainage, or associated pain.
When to use this code
Use H60.12 when the provider documents cellulitis limited to the left external ear. It is appropriate when the record clearly identifies the left side and the external ear as the site of infection. Check documentation if the note instead describes perichondritis, otitis externa, or a more general facial skin infection.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cellulitis of the right ear, bilateral ear involvement, or infection inside the ear canal. Do not assign it if the documentation only says “ear infection” without specifying cellulitis of the external ear.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and anatomic site in the provider note before coding, because ear infections are often documented nonspecifically.