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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.01

H66.01

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is an infection of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus and inflammation. This condition often arises from upper respiratory infections, leading to blockage of the Eustachian tube and subsequent fluid accumulation in the middle ear. Symptoms typically include ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. In cases where the pressure from the accumulated pus becomes too great, the tympanic membrane (ear drum) may spontaneously rupture, resulting in drainage of purulent material from the ear. This rupture can provide symptomatic relief but may also lead to complications such as hearing loss or further infections. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, red, or perforated tympanic membrane. Management includes analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy tubes may be indicated for recurrent cases. Accurate coding of this condition is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of otitis media
  • Need for documentation of spontaneous rupture
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to diagnosis
  • Failure to document the spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane
  • Misclassification of the type of otitis media
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute ear infections, evaluation of recurrent otitis media, and surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the tympanic membrane status and any interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of symptoms, family history, and any previous episodes of otitis media.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of ear infections in children, including antibiotic stewardship.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related factors in treatment and follow-up.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.01 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 01 should be used when there is clear documentation of acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture
  • It is important to ensure that the clinical documentation supports the diagnosis and that any relevant symptoms and treatments are recorded

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.01 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of recurrent acute otitis media requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and any pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical indications are clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute otitis media, including the differentiation of types and complications, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute otitis media, including the differentiation of types and complications, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 hearing loss. In some cases, there may be drainage from the ear if the tympanic membrane ruptures.