H60.90 — Unspecified otitis externa, unspecified ear

H60.90

ICD-10 Chapter 8: Ear & Mastoid Process — illustrative image — Chapter 8: Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60–H95) — illustrative image

What this code means

Otitis externa is infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, often called swimmer's ear.

Also called: otitis externa, swimmers ear.

When this code is used

Used for otitis externa of an unspecified ear, type unspecified.

Where it sits in ICD-10-CM

Code H60.90 belongs to Chapter 8: Diseases of the ear and mastoid process, which covers codes H60–H95 in the FY2027 ICD-10-CM tabular list. The official description above is copied verbatim from the CDC/NCHS FY2027 code file.

Related anatomy

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10-CM code H60.90?

H60.90 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for “Unspecified otitis externa, unspecified ear”. Otitis externa is infection or inflammation of the outer ear canal, often called swimmer's ear.

When is code H60.90 used?

Used for otitis externa of an unspecified ear, type unspecified. It belongs to Chapter 8 of ICD-10-CM (Diseases of the ear and mastoid process).

This guide explains ICD-10-CM codes in plain language for patients, students and other readers. It is educational information only — not coding, billing or medical advice. The code recorded for any real encounter is assigned from the full clinical documentation by the treating team and qualified coders, and only they can decide which code fits a specific case.