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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.22

H66.22

Billable

Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media is a persistent infection of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus and inflammation, specifically affecting the atticoantral region of the ear. This condition often arises from recurrent acute otitis media or can develop as a complication of eustachian tube dysfunction. Patients typically present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear, which may be foul-smelling due to the presence of bacteria. The left ear is specifically affected in this code, indicating the need for targeted treatment. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT scans to assess for any complications involving the mastoid process. Management may include antibiotic therapy, surgical interventions such as tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy, and regular follow-up to monitor for recurrence. The chronic nature of this condition necessitates careful documentation and coding to ensure appropriate reimbursement and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of otitis media
  • Need for precise documentation of chronicity and laterality
  • Potential for associated complications requiring additional codes
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Lack of supporting evidence for surgical interventions
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions

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, persistent ear discharge, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing hearing loss severity and type.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss in patients with chronic otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of otitis media on hearing and any recommendations for hearing aids or further interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.22 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's chronicity and laterality
  • Include any relevant complications or associated conditions in coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.22 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Performed to repair the tympanic membrane in patients with chronic otitis media.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should document the extent of disease and any complications.

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 H66.22, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the importance of documenting chronicity and laterality.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.22, improving the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the importance of documenting chronicity and laterality.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the importance of documenting chronicity and laterality.

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 chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media?

Common symptoms include persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, ear pain, and sometimes fever. The discharge may be foul-smelling due to bacterial infection.