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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.007

H66.007

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.007 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, unspecified 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, leading to inflammation and pain. This condition is recurrent when a patient experiences multiple episodes within a specified timeframe, typically defined as three or more episodes in six months or four episodes in one year. In cases where there is no spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane (ear drum), the infection can lead to increased pressure and pain without drainage of pus. Symptoms may include ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Management often involves antibiotics, analgesics, and in some cases, tympanostomy tubes for recurrent cases. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment and reimbursement, as it reflects the severity and frequency of the condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic otitis media
  • Determining the presence or absence of tympanic membrane rupture
  • Identifying recurrent episodes based on clinical history
  • Documenting specific symptoms and their duration

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent episodes
  • Failure to specify the ear affected (unspecified ear)
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic otitis media
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for antibiotic prescriptions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear infections, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, children with persistent otalgia, and adults with hearing loss due to ASOM.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the absence of tympanic membrane rupture and recurrent nature of the condition.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants and children with recurrent ear infections, often requiring referral to an otolaryngologist.

Billing Considerations

Documenting parental observations and symptom duration is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.007 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include details about the recurrent nature of the condition and specify that there is no spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.007 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used for recurrent ASOM requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document the number of episodes and previous treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should provide detailed surgical notes.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. H66.007 provides a clear distinction for recurrent ASOM without rupture, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. H66.007 provides a clear distinction for recurrent ASOM without rupture, which aids in clinical management and reimbursement.

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 is the difference between acute and chronic otitis media?

Acute otitis media is characterized by sudden onset of symptoms and typically resolves within a few weeks, while chronic otitis media involves persistent symptoms and may lead to complications such as tympanic membrane perforation.