Billable / Specific Code
ICD-10-CM H60.551 is the diagnosis code for Acute reactive otitis externa, right 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 billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.
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.
Understanding where H60.551 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:
Yes, H60.551 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
H60.551 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Acute reactive otitis externa, right ear". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.
The parent code of H60.551 is H60.55 ("Acute reactive otitis externa"). H60.551 provides a more specific classification within this category.
H60.551 is located in Section H60-H62 — "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Use H60.551 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Acute reactive otitis externa, right ear" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.
The ICD-10-CM code for Acute reactive otitis externa, right ear is H60.551.
Yes, H60.551 can be used as a primary diagnosis code since it is billable and specific.
H60.551 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.
Yes, H60.551 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.