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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.016

H66.016

Billable

Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.016 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute suppurative otitis media (ASOM) is characterized by the presence of pus in the middle ear, leading to inflammation and infection. This condition often presents with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. In cases where the ear drum (tympanic membrane) ruptures spontaneously, there may be drainage of purulent material from the ear canal. The recurrent nature of this condition indicates that the patient has experienced multiple episodes of ASOM, which can lead to complications such as chronic otitis media or hearing impairment. Bilateral involvement suggests that both ears are affected, which can complicate management and increase the risk of hearing loss. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through clinical examination and otoscopy, revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane, and possibly purulent discharge. Management includes antibiotics, analgesics, and in some cases, tympanostomy tubes may be indicated to prevent further episodes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Recurrent nature of the condition complicates coding.
  • Bilateral involvement requires careful documentation.
  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions can be challenging.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent episodes.
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement.
  • Misclassification as chronic otitis media.
  • Lack of supporting evidence for spontaneous rupture.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of recurrent episodes, treatment plans, and outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, drainage, and hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the tympanic membrane status and any surgical interventions.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of symptoms, family history of ear infections, and developmental assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent ear infections requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the impact on hearing and speech development is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.016 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition's acute, recurrent, and bilateral nature
  • Include any relevant symptoms and treatment history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.016 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of recurrent ASOM to prevent further infections.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery, including recurrent infections and hearing loss.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure thorough pre-operative assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like ASOM, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of recurrent cases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like ASOM, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of recurrent cases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like ASOM, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of recurrent cases.

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, drainage from the ear, and hearing loss.

How is acute suppurative otitis media diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination, otoscopy, and patient history, often revealing a bulging, red tympanic membrane.

What are the treatment options for recurrent ASOM?

Treatment may include antibiotics, pain management, and in some cases, surgical interventions like tympanostomy tubes.

What documentation is required for coding H66.016?

Documentation should include the patient's history of recurrent infections, clinical findings, treatment plans, and any surgical interventions.