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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.017

H66.017

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.017 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, unspecified ear.

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 symptoms such as ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. In cases where the eardrum ruptures spontaneously, there may be drainage of purulent material from the ear canal, providing temporary relief from pain. Recurrent episodes of ASOM can occur, particularly in children, and may be associated with upper respiratory infections or allergies. The unspecified ear designation indicates that the condition is not limited to one ear, complicating treatment and management. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, which reveals a bulging, red eardrum, and may include tympanometry or audiometry to assess hearing loss. Management includes antibiotics for bacterial infections, analgesics for pain relief, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy tubes to prevent further episodes. Proper coding is essential for accurate billing and treatment tracking.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Identifying recurrent episodes accurately
  • Determining the unspecified nature of the ear affected
  • Understanding the implications of spontaneous rupture

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of recurrent episodes
  • Failure to specify the ear affected
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Lack of supporting evidence for spontaneous rupture

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, drainage from the ear, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the acute nature and recurrence of the condition.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media, especially following upper respiratory infections.

Billing Considerations

Document parental concerns and any prior treatments or interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.017 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 guidelines for coding otitis media, ensuring accurate documentation of the acute nature, recurrence, and any complications such as eardrum rupture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.017 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used for recurrent otitis media with effusion.

Documentation Requirements

Document the need for surgical intervention due to recurrent infections.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear justification for surgery.

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 ability to track and manage recurrent cases of ASOM and their complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the ability to track and manage recurrent cases of ASOM and their complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the ability to track and manage recurrent cases of ASOM and their complications.

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 significance of specifying 'recurrent' in the diagnosis?

Specifying 'recurrent' indicates that the patient has had multiple episodes of ASOM, which may require different management strategies and can affect treatment decisions.