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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.002

H66.002

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.002 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, left ear.

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. This condition typically arises from a preceding upper respiratory tract infection, leading to inflammation and blockage of the Eustachian tube. In cases of ASOM without spontaneous rupture of the eardrum, the tympanic membrane remains intact, which can lead to increased pressure and pain in the ear. Clinically, patients may present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Management often includes analgesics for pain relief and antibiotics to address the bacterial infection. In some cases, if symptoms persist or worsen, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy may be necessary to relieve pressure and drain fluid. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic otitis media
  • Identifying the presence or absence of tympanic membrane rupture
  • Documenting the specific ear affected (left ear)
  • Understanding the nuances of associated symptoms and complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic otitis media
  • Inconsistent use of antibiotics without clear justification

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, fever, and irritability, particularly in pediatric populations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of tympanic membrane status and any interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of present illness, including any prior episodes of otitis media and treatment responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Young children with acute onset of ear pain and fever, often following upper respiratory infections.

Billing Considerations

Document parental observations and any behavioral changes in the child.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.002 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 002 should be used when the patient presents with acute suppurative otitis media without tympanic membrane rupture
  • Documentation must clearly indicate the absence of rupture and specify the affected ear

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.002 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with otitis media evaluations.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any findings during the procedure.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure during the same visit.

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 conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H66.002 provides specificity regarding the absence of tympanic membrane rupture, which is crucial for treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of otitis media conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H66.002 provides specificity regarding the absence of tympanic membrane rupture, which is crucial for treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. H66.002 provides specificity regarding the absence of tympanic membrane rupture, which is crucial for 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 hearing loss. Otoscopic examination typically reveals a bulging and red tympanic membrane.