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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.23

H66.23

Billable

Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media is a persistent inflammatory condition of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus and the involvement of the atticoantral region, which includes the attic (the upper part of the middle ear) and the antrum (the cavity behind the eardrum). This condition is often bilateral, meaning it affects both ears, and is typically a result of recurrent acute otitis media or inadequate treatment of previous infections. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear. The chronic nature of the condition can lead to complications such as cholesteatoma, which can further damage the ear structures and lead to more severe hearing loss. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through otoscopic examination, audiometry, and imaging studies if necessary. Management often involves medical treatment with antibiotics and possibly surgical intervention, such as tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy, to remove infected tissue and restore hearing.

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 complications like cholesteatoma
  • Navigating the nuances of surgical versus medical management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to document bilateral involvement
  • Lack of clarity on treatment plans and outcomes
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear infections, audiometric evaluations, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent ear infections, chronic ear discharge, and hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

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

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth and development assessments, family history of ear infections, and vaccination status.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with frequent ear infections and associated developmental delays.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact of otitis media on hearing and speech development.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.23 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 23 should be used when there is clear documentation of chronic bilateral suppurative otitis media
  • It is important to differentiate from other types of otitis media and ensure that the chronicity is well
  • documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Performed for chronic suppurative otitis media to repair the tympanic membrane.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngology specialists must 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 H66.23, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic otitis media.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.23, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic otitis media.

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 chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media?

Common symptoms include persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, and ear pain. Patients may also experience a feeling of fullness in the ear.

How is chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of patient history, otoscopic examination, audiometric testing, and sometimes imaging studies.

What are the treatment options for this condition?

Treatment may include antibiotics, ear drops, and surgical interventions such as tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy, depending on the severity and complications.