Acute actinic otitis externa, bilateral

This code signifies an acute inflammatory condition of the external ear canal, affecting both ears, caused by excessive exposure to sunlight or other forms of ultraviolet radiation. The inflammation is sudden in onset and typically presents with redness, swelling, pain, and sometimes blistering or peeling of the skin.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an acute otitis externa resulting from sun exposure, affecting both the left and right external ear canals. Supporting documentation should specify the etiology as "actinic" or "solar" and confirm bilateral involvement.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "actinic" or "solar" as the cause, differentiating it from other forms of otitis externa.
• Verify bilateral involvement; if only one ear is affected, a laterality-specific code should be used.
• Do not confuse with chronic actinic otitis externa (H60.52-) or other non-actinic forms of otitis externa (H60.50-, H60.59-).