ICD-10 Code H60.21 – Malignant otitis externa, right ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.21 – Malignant otitis externa, right ear
What it is
H60.21 identifies malignant otitis externa affecting the right ear. This is a serious infection of the external ear canal that can extend into nearby tissue; use the code only when the right side is documented.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include severe ear pain, persistent drainage, and tenderness of the external ear. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when notes describe spread beyond the canal or concern for invasive infection.
When to use this code
Use H60.21 when the provider documents malignant otitis externa and specifies the right ear. It may also fit notes describing necrotizing otitis externa of the right side. If laterality is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for uncomplicated otitis externa or for disease documented in the left ear, bilateral ears, or unspecified ear. Do not assign it when the record only says “ear infection” without confirmation of malignant otitis externa.
Coding tip
Verify both the malignant otitis externa diagnosis and the right-ear laterality in the provider note before assigning H60.21.