2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H62.42Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear
ICD-10-CM Codes›H60–H95›H60-H62›H62
- Billable — Valid for Submission
- Not Chronic
H62.42 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 154 through 156. The code is a manifestation code that cannot be reported as the principal diagnosis. Coders also document this condition as otitis externa of left external auditory canal caused by human herpesvirus 3. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Other specified and unspecified disorders of the ear.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Code EditsBilling
Medicare Code Editor checks that affect claim validity for H62.42.
Approximate SynonymsGuidance
Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.
- Otitis externa of left external auditory canal caused by human herpesvirus 3
Clinical ClassificationClinical
AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.
Patient EducationClinical
Ear Disorders
Your ear has three main parts: outer, middle and inner. You use all of them in hearing. Sound waves come in through your outer ear. They reach your middle ear, where they make your eardrum vibrate. The vibrations are transmitted through three tiny bones, called ossicles, in your middle ear.
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Convert H62.42 to ICD-9-CMHistory
The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About H62.42Overview
Is H62.42 (Otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere) a billable code?
Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
What MS-DRG does H62.42 group to?
On inpatient claims, otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear maps to MS-DRG 154, 155, 156, with relative weights from 0.6911 to 1.5635 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.
Can H62.42 be a principal diagnosis?
No. This is a manifestation code: otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear describes the manifestation of an underlying disease rather than the disease itself, so the underlying condition is sequenced first.
What is the ICD-9 equivalent of H62.42?
Under the General Equivalence Mappings, otitis externa in other diseases classified elsewhere, left ear converts to ICD-9-CM 380.13 (ac infect extern ear NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.
Footnotes
[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.
