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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.009

H66.009

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.009 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is an infection of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus in the middle ear space. This condition typically arises from a preceding upper respiratory tract infection, leading to inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian tube. Patients often present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. In cases of ASOM without spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane, the ear drum remains intact, which can lead to increased pressure and pain. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Management 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
  • Variability in clinical presentation among different age groups
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the ear involved
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Lack of supporting evidence for antibiotic prescriptions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of recurrent otitis media in pediatric patients, evaluation of hearing loss related to otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Documentation should clearly indicate the absence of tympanic membrane rupture and any prior episodes.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Complete history including vaccination status, family history of ear infections, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of acute ear pain in children, follow-up for recurrent infections.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related factors in treatment decisions and documentation of parental concerns.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.009 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the absence of tympanic membrane rupture and any relevant clinical findings
  • Use additional codes for associated conditions such as upper respiratory infections if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.009 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with evaluation of ear pain.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure during the same visit.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. H66.009 provides a clear distinction for acute cases without rupture, aiding in appropriate management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. H66.009 provides a clear distinction for acute cases without rupture, aiding in appropriate management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 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, red tympanic membrane.

How is acute suppurative otitis media treated?

Treatment usually involves pain management with analgesics and antibiotics to address the infection. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.