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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.004

H66.004

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.004 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, right ear.

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 without spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane (ear drum) and is classified as recurrent when a patient experiences multiple episodes within a specified timeframe. In this case, the focus is on the right ear. Clinically, patients may present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Management often includes antibiotics, analgesics, and in some cases, tympanostomy tubes for recurrent cases. The recurrent nature of the condition necessitates careful monitoring and potential referral to an otolaryngologist for further evaluation and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic otitis media
  • Identifying recurrent episodes accurately
  • Understanding the absence of tympanic membrane rupture
  • Documenting specific ear involvement (right ear)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent episodes
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic otitis media
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for antibiotic prescriptions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of recurrent episodes, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, children with frequent ASOM, and adults with persistent symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the recurrent nature and absence of tympanic membrane rupture to support coding.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history including frequency of infections, treatment responses, and any referral to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent ear infections requiring monitoring or surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documenting parental concerns and developmental impacts of hearing loss is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.004 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's acute nature, recurrent episodes, and specific ear involvement

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.004 When
  • Exclude codes for chronic otitis media or those with perforation

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of recurrent ASOM requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document the frequency of infections and previous treatments.

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 ASOM, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like ASOM, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like ASOM, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management strategies.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between acute and chronic otitis media?

Acute otitis media is a sudden onset infection characterized by pain and fever, while chronic otitis media is a long-term condition often associated with persistent fluid and hearing loss.