ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.00

H66.00

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media without 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 in the middle ear space, typically resulting from bacterial infection following a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Patients often present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. The tympanic membrane remains intact in this condition, distinguishing it from cases where spontaneous rupture occurs. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Management includes analgesics for pain relief and antibiotics to address the bacterial infection. In cases where symptoms persist or worsen, further intervention may be necessary. This condition is prevalent in pediatric populations but can also affect adults, particularly those with risk factors such as allergies or sinusitis. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other types of otitis media (e.g., serous, chronic)
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Potential for misclassification if the tympanic membrane ruptures
  • Variability in treatment protocols based on patient age and comorbidities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the absence of tympanic membrane rupture
  • Misuse of codes for chronic or recurrent otitis media
  • Inconsistent documentation of treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed otoscopic findings, treatment plans, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute ear infections in both pediatric and adult populations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the absence of tympanic membrane rupture and any comorbid conditions.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth and development assessments, parental reports of symptoms, and treatment responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Frequent ear infections in children, including recurrent acute otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Documenting family history and environmental factors that may contribute to recurrent infections.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.00 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding otitis media, ensuring to document the absence of tympanic membrane rupture
  • Include any relevant symptoms and treatment details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.00 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

99213CPT Code

Established patient office visit, Level 3

Clinical Scenario

Used for follow-up visits after initial diagnosis and treatment of ASOM.

Documentation Requirements

Document history of present illness, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may require more detailed documentation of ear examination.

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy tube placement

Clinical Scenario

Considered if ASOM is recurrent and persistent despite medical management.

Documentation Requirements

Indication for surgery, pre-operative assessment, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of recurrent episodes leading to 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 otitis media, improving the ability to track and manage this common condition effectively. H66.00 provides clarity in distinguishing between acute and chronic forms, which is crucial for treatment and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of otitis media, improving the ability to track and manage this common condition effectively. H66.00 provides clarity in distinguishing between acute and chronic forms, which is crucial for treatment and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • •
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Otitis Media

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • •
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Otitis Media

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of acute suppurative otitis media?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. An otoscopic examination typically reveals a bulging, red tympanic membrane.

How is acute suppurative otitis media treated?

Treatment usually involves analgesics for pain relief and antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. Follow-up is essential to ensure resolution of symptoms.