ICD10BillableValid for clinical use

ICD-10 Code H60.553: Acute reactive otitis externa, bilateral

H60.553 is a billable ICD-10 diagnosis code used to classify Acute reactive otitis externa, bilateral in medical records and claims. You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records. ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 codes are diagnosis classification codes used in healthcare records, reporting, coding workflows, and billing support. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95).

When is it used?

  • May be used when a clinician documents acute reactive otitis externa, bilateral in a patient's medical record.
  • May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
  • This code can be used as a clinically usable diagnosis entry in standardized coding workflows.

What it does not mean

  • A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
  • A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.

Code hierarchy

chapter
8Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
block
H60-H62Diseases of external ear
category
H60Otitis externa
category
H60.5Acute noninfective otitis externa
category
H60.55Acute reactive otitis externa
currentH60.55

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in hospital records, discharge summaries, insurance claims, encounter documentation, referrals, or other healthcare billing and coding records.

Related specialists

ENT Specialist

Coding guidelines

Common synonyms

Acute reactive otitis externa, bilateral

Frequently asked questions

Code details

CodeH60.553
SystemICD10
Display nameAcute reactive otitis externa, bilateral
ChapterDiseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
BlockDiseases of external ear

Flags

BillableYes
Valid clinical useYes

Source

SourceICD-10
Version2026-annual
Releaseannual
Year2026

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

ICD-10 Code H60.553 for Acute reactive otitis externa, bilateral | HealthAssure