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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.0

H66.0

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media.

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. It typically occurs following an upper respiratory tract infection, leading to inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian tube, which can result in fluid accumulation and bacterial growth. Patients often present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. Physical examination may reveal a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane, and otorrhea may be present if the tympanic membrane has perforated. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic findings. Management includes analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and in some cases, tympanostomy tubes may be indicated for recurrent cases. The condition is more prevalent in children due to their anatomical differences in the Eustachian tube. Complications can include hearing loss, mastoiditis, and in rare cases, intracranial infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic otitis media
  • Identifying the presence of complications such as perforation or mastoiditis
  • Understanding the nuances of antibiotic treatment and resistance
  • Documenting associated symptoms and their severity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of otitis media (acute vs. chronic)
  • Misuse of codes for complications or associated conditions
  • Inconsistent coding for recurrent episodes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute otitis media in pediatric patients, surgical interventions for recurrent cases.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of the condition and any surgical interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of recurrent ear infections, family history, and response to previous treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of children with recurrent acute otitis media and consideration for tympanostomy tube placement.

Billing Considerations

Documenting developmental milestones and any impact on hearing or speech development.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.0 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 0 should be used when there is clear documentation of acute suppurative otitis media
  • It is important to differentiate from other types of otitis media and to document any complications or recurrent episodes appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Performed for recurrent acute otitis media in children.

Documentation Requirements

Document the number of episodes and prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the need for surgical intervention.

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, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H66.0 provides a clear distinction from chronic conditions, aiding in appropriate management and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of acute otitis media, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H66.0 provides a clear distinction from chronic conditions, aiding in appropriate management and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. H66.0 provides a clear distinction from chronic conditions, aiding in appropriate management and treatment planning.

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 drainage from the ear if the tympanic membrane has perforated.

How is acute suppurative otitis media diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history and physical examination, particularly otoscopic findings of a bulging or perforated tympanic membrane.

What is the typical treatment for acute suppurative otitis media?

Treatment usually involves analgesics for pain relief and antibiotics for bacterial infections. Surgical intervention may be necessary for recurrent cases.