H60.93

What This Code Means

This code describes an infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal affecting both ears, where the specific cause or type has not been determined. It's commonly known as swimmer's ear when caused by water exposure or bacterial infection.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when otitis externa is documented as bilateral and the specific type (acute, chronic, malignant) cannot be determined from the medical record
• •If the provider documents a specific type of otitis externa (such as acute, chronic, or malignant), select the appropriate more specific code instead of the unspecified code