ICD-10 Code H60.522 – Acute chemical otitis externa, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.522 – Acute chemical otitis externa, left ear
What it is
This code identifies an acute inflammation of the outer ear canal in the left ear caused by chemical exposure. Use it when documentation specifies a chemical, irritant, or caustic agent affecting the left external ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear canal redness, swelling, pain, itching, and tenderness after chemical contact. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the left-sided site and the causal chemical exposure.
When to use this code
Use H60.522 when the provider documents acute chemical otitis externa limited to the left ear. It fits cases where the note clearly links the otitis externa to a chemical cause rather than infection or trauma. If laterality or cause is unclear, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for infectious otitis externa, chronic ear canal inflammation, or unspecified external ear irritation. If the record does not confirm a chemical cause or left ear involvement, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm both the chemical cause and left-sided laterality in the provider note before assigning H60.522.