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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.10

H66.10

Billable

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, unspecified

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, unspecified.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media is a persistent inflammatory condition of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus and a perforated tympanic membrane. This condition often arises from recurrent acute otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to chronic infection and inflammation. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear. The condition can be associated with complications such as cholesteatoma, mastoiditis, or hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, audiometry, and sometimes imaging studies to assess the extent of the disease. Management may include medical treatment with antibiotics and decongestants, as well as surgical interventions like tympanoplasty or myringotomy to facilitate drainage and restore hearing. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific details of the condition are not documented, which may affect treatment and management decisions.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of the condition
  • Need for detailed documentation to support chronicity and suppuration
  • Differentiation from acute otitis media and other ear conditions
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Lack of specificity in clinical notes
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or complications
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, chronic ear discharge, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and any surgical interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media and associated hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors and developmental impacts of hearing loss.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.10 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, this code should be used when the condition is chronic and unspecified
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis of chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media and that it is not confused with acute forms of otitis media

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical repair of the tympanic membrane in patients with chronic suppurative otitis media.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indications, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the extent of disease and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions, improving the ability to track and manage chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media. This specificity aids in better patient care and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions, improving the ability to track and manage chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media. This specificity aids in better patient care and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between chronic and acute tubotympanic suppurative otitis media?

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media is characterized by persistent symptoms and infection lasting more than three months, often with tympanic membrane perforation, while acute otitis media presents with sudden onset symptoms and typically resolves within a few weeks.