Acute reactive otitis externa, unspecified ear

This code describes an acute, non-infectious inflammation of the external ear canal, often triggered by an irritant or allergen. It presents with sudden onset of ear pain, itching, and redness, without evidence of bacterial or fungal infection. The "reactive" component implies a response to an external stimulus rather than a primary infection.

Apply this code when documentation indicates an acute inflammatory process of the outer ear that is explicitly noted as reactive or irritant-induced, and the specific ear affected is not documented. This diagnosis is supported by a history of exposure to an irritant (e.g., chemicals, excessive water exposure, foreign body) and clinical findings consistent with inflammation without purulent discharge.

• Ensure documentation specifies "reactive" or an irritant cause to differentiate from infectious otitis externa.
• Avoid using this code if a specific infectious agent (bacterial, fungal) is identified or suspected; instead, use codes from H60.3- or H60.4-.
• If the affected ear (right, left, bilateral) is documented, use the more specific codes within the H60.55 subcategory.