Find information on Left Otitis Externa diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 code H62.22, medical coding, and healthcare guidance. Learn about swimmer's ear, symptoms, treatment, and appropriate medical terminology for accurate record keeping and billing. This resource supports healthcare professionals in accurately documenting and coding Left Otitis Externa for optimal patient care and reimbursement.
Also known as
Diseases of external ear
Conditions affecting the outer ear structures.
Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
Disorders involving the middle ear and mastoid process.
Diseases of the respiratory system
Conditions affecting the respiratory tract, sometimes related to ear infections.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the left otitis externa specified as infectious?
Yes
Is it due to Pseudomonas?
No
Is it specified as noninfectious?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Outer ear infection |
| Acute Otitis Media |
| Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa) |
Missing or incorrect laterality (left, right, bilateral) for otitis externa can lead to inaccurate coding and claims rejection. Use ICD-10-CM coding guidelines for proper laterality documentation.
Coding otitis externa without specifying infective vs non-infective (e.g., contact dermatitis, eczema) or acute/chronic nature leads to coding errors and impacts reimbursement.
Using unspecified codes like H60.9 when a more specific diagnosis is documented in the medical record can trigger audits and denials. CDI should query for clarification.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with left otitis externa. Symptoms include left ear pain, pruritus, and aural fullness. On examination, the left ear canal exhibits erythema, edema, and debris. Tenderness to palpation of the tragus and pinna is noted. The tympanic membrane is visualized and appears normal, ruling out otitis media. Diagnosis of left otitis externa is made based on clinical presentation and physical exam findings. Differential diagnosis includes impacted cerumen, foreign body, and otomycosis. Treatment plan includes topical antibiotic otic drops with or without corticosteroid, patient education on proper ear hygiene, and avoidance of water exposure to the affected ear. Follow-up is recommended if symptoms do not improve within 7-10 days. ICD-10 code H62.20, Left otitis externa, unspecified, is assigned. This diagnosis is consistent with acute otitis externa symptoms and aligns with current clinical guidelines for diagnosis and management. Patient understands the treatment plan and instructions provided.