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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.019

H66.019

Billable

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

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.019 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified 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 in the middle ear. In cases where the pressure from the accumulated pus becomes too great, the tympanic membrane (ear drum) may spontaneously rupture, allowing pus to drain from the ear. Symptoms typically include ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and hearing loss. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, red tympanic membrane, and possibly purulent drainage. Management includes analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy may be necessary if the condition is recurrent or severe. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic otitis media
  • Identifying the presence of spontaneous rupture versus other types of perforations
  • Determining the appropriate ear (left, right, or unspecified) when documentation is vague
  • Understanding the implications of associated symptoms and complications

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms leading to the diagnosis
  • Failure to specify the ear involved in the condition
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic otitis media
  • Lack of supporting evidence for the diagnosis in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of recurrent otitis media in children, evaluation of tympanic membrane status, and surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the ear affected and the presence of any complications such as hearing loss.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of recurrent ear infections, family history, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of acute ear pain in children, management of fever associated with otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment decisions and documentation of parental concerns.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.019 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding otitis media, ensuring to document the acute nature of the condition and the presence of spontaneous rupture
  • Include any relevant symptoms and treatment details

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.019 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for recurrent acute otitis media with effusion.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and any prior treatments attempted.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the patient's history and examination findings.

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. H66.019 provides a clear distinction for acute cases with spontaneous rupture, enhancing clinical data collection and reimbursement processes.

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. H66.019 provides a clear distinction for acute cases with spontaneous rupture, enhancing clinical data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 drainage from the ear. Hearing loss may also occur due to fluid in the middle ear.

How is acute suppurative otitis media diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on symptoms and otoscopic examination findings, such as a bulging or perforated tympanic membrane.

What treatment options are available for this condition?

Treatment typically includes analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and possibly surgical intervention if the condition is recurrent or severe.