Unspecified acute noninfective otitis externa, bilateral

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the external ear canal that affects both ears, where the specific cause is not identified as infectious. It represents a sudden onset of irritation, redness, and swelling of the outer ear canal without a documented bacterial, fungal, or viral etiology.

Use this code when documentation indicates acute otitis externa affecting both ears, and the provider has not specified an infectious origin. This is appropriate when the etiology is unknown or described as non-infectious, allergic, or irritant-induced, and affects both left and right ears.

• Only use this code when the laterality is explicitly documented as "bilateral" and the cause is "unspecified noninfective."
• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies a bacterial, fungal, or other infectious cause; instead, select a more specific code from the H60.3- or H60.4- series.
• If only one ear is affected, choose the appropriate unilateral code (H60.501 or H60.502) or the unspecified laterality code (H60.509) if laterality is not documented.