H60.33
Non-Billable

Swimmer's ear

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Swimmer's ear?

ICD-10-CM H60.33 is the diagnosis code for Swimmer's ear. This code falls under the section "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for H60.33

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H60.33 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H60.331Swimmer's ear, right earBillableH60.332Swimmer's ear, left earBillableH60.333Swimmer's ear, bilateralBillableH60.339Swimmer's ear, unspecified earBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H60.33 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H60.33 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H60.33 mean?

H60.33 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Swimmer's ear". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H60.33?

The parent code of H60.33 is H60.3 ("Other infective otitis externa"). H60.33 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H60.33 in?

H60.33 is located in Section H60-H62 — "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H60.33?

H60.33 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H60.331, H60.332, H60.333, H60.339.

When should I use H60.33?

Use H60.33 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Swimmer's ear" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Swimmer's ear?

The ICD-10-CM code for Swimmer's ear is H60.33.

Can H60.33 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H60.33 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H60.33 in?

H60.33 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is H60.33 valid for 2026?

Yes, H60.33 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH60.329Hemorrhagic otitis externa, unspecified earNext →H60.331Swimmer's ear, right ear
Code Details
H60.33
Swimmer's ear
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
H60-H62 — Diseases of external ear
2026 ICD-10-CM