H60.522
BillableAcute chemical otitis externa, left ear
This code does not map to an HCC category in any model (V28, V24, ESRD, RxHCC).
What This Code Means
This code describes a sudden inflammation of the outer ear canal on the left side caused by exposure to a chemical substance. The condition typically causes pain, irritation, and possible drainage in the affected ear.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the laterality is documented as left ear (H60.522) and not right ear (H60.521) or bilateral (H60.523) to ensure accurate code selection
- •Document the specific chemical agent when possible, as this may help identify the cause and guide treatment; consider using an external cause code (Chapter 20) if the chemical exposure was due to an accident or adverse effect
Code Hierarchy
└H60Otitis externa└H60.5Acute noninfective otitis externa└H60.52Acute chemical otitis externa└H60.522Acute chemical otitis externa, left ear
└H60.522Acute chemical otitis externa, left ear