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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.13

H66.13

Billable

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media is a persistent inflammatory condition of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus and a perforated tympanic membrane. This condition often arises from recurrent acute otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to chronic inflammation and infection. In bilateral cases, both ears are affected, which can complicate the clinical picture and management. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear. The condition can lead to complications such as hearing impairment and, in severe cases, mastoiditis. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, audiometric testing, and sometimes imaging studies to assess the extent of the disease. Management may include medical therapy with antibiotics and steroids, as well as surgical interventions like tympanostomy tube placement or tympanoplasty to restore hearing and prevent further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic forms of otitis media
  • Identifying bilateral involvement versus unilateral
  • Understanding the implications of suppurative versus non-suppurative conditions
  • Navigating the documentation requirements for chronic conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Failure to document the chronic nature of the condition
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic otitis media
  • Lack of supporting evidence for surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, chronic ear discharge, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the duration of symptoms and any prior treatments to support chronicity.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of developmental milestones and history of ear infections.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of age-related factors in treatment and management plans.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.13 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 13 should be used when there is clear documentation of chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media affecting both ears
  • Coders should ensure that the chronic nature of the condition is well
  • documented and that any associated complications are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.13 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanostomy

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with chronic otitis media requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the chronic nature of the condition to justify the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.13, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic otitis media. This specificity aids in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.13, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic otitis media. This specificity aids in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.13, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic otitis media. This specificity aids in tracking treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

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 distinguishes chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media from acute otitis media?

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media is characterized by persistent symptoms lasting more than three months, often with a perforated tympanic membrane and ongoing discharge, whereas acute otitis media typically presents with sudden onset symptoms and is usually self-limiting.