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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.012

H66.012

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.012 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media with 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 and inflammation. This condition often arises from upper respiratory infections, leading to fluid accumulation and pressure build-up in the middle ear. In cases where the pressure becomes too great, the tympanic membrane (ear drum) may spontaneously rupture, resulting in the discharge of pus and relief of pressure. Clinically, patients may present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. The left ear designation indicates the affected side, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through otoscopic examination, revealing a bulging, red tympanic membrane with possible perforation. Management includes antibiotics to address the infection, analgesics for pain relief, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy may be necessary if the condition is recurrent or complications arise. Proper coding is essential for reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the affected ear (left ear)
  • Differentiation from other types of otitis media
  • Need for documentation of spontaneous rupture
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., hearing loss)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of chronic otitis media instead of acute
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for recurrent cases

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute otitis media, tympanostomy tube placement, and treatment of complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the ear affected and any surgical interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of presenting illness, including fever, irritability, and feeding difficulties.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Diagnosis and management of ear infections in children, including follow-up care.

Billing Considerations

Document developmental milestones and any recurrent infections for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.012 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H66
  • 012 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane in the left ear
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including clinical findings and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.012 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with recurrent acute otitis media requires drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indication for tympanostomy.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the frequency of infections and previous treatments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding otitis media, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H66.012 provides a clear distinction for acute cases with complications, which is essential for appropriate reimbursement and care management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding otitis media, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H66.012 provides a clear distinction for acute cases with complications, which is essential for appropriate reimbursement and care management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and care management.

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 hearing loss. Patients may also experience drainage from the ear if the tympanic membrane has ruptured.