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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.003

H66.003

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, bilateral

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.003 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is characterized by the presence of pus in the middle ear, leading to inflammation and infection. This condition occurs bilaterally when both ears are affected, and it is typically caused by bacterial infections following upper respiratory tract infections. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. The absence of spontaneous rupture of the eardrum indicates that the tympanic membrane remains intact, which can lead to increased pressure and discomfort. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Management often includes analgesics for pain relief and antibiotics to address the bacterial infection. In some cases, if symptoms persist or worsen, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy may be necessary to relieve pressure and drain fluid. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic otitis media
  • Identifying the presence or absence of tympanic membrane rupture
  • Bilateral vs. unilateral coding nuances
  • Documentation of symptoms and clinical findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Misidentification of the type of otitis media
  • Lack of supporting evidence for antibiotic prescriptions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including otoscopic findings, treatment plans, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of recurrent otitis media, post-operative care after tympanostomy, and evaluation of hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the absence of tympanic membrane rupture and bilateral involvement.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of presenting illness, family history, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute ear infections in children, management of fever and irritability, and monitoring for complications.

Billing Considerations

Documenting parental concerns and the child's response to treatment is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.003 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 003 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media affecting both ears without tympanic membrane rupture
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including clinical findings and treatment plans

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.003 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for persistent ASOM.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the need for surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute suppurative otitis media, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans, which is crucial for patient care and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute suppurative otitis media, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans, which is crucial for patient care and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of acute suppurative otitis media?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. Otoscopic examination typically reveals a bulging and red tympanic membrane.