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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.12

H66.12

Billable

Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.12 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, left ear.

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 typically arises from recurrent acute otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction, leading to chronic inflammation and infection. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear. The left ear designation indicates that the condition is localized to that side. Diagnosis is often confirmed through otoscopic examination, which reveals a perforated tympanic membrane and purulent discharge. Audiometric testing may also be performed to assess the degree of hearing loss associated with the condition. Management typically involves medical treatment with antibiotics and possibly surgical intervention, such as tympanoplasty or myringotomy, to restore hearing and prevent further complications. Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media can lead to serious complications, including mastoiditis or cholesteatoma, if left untreated.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic forms of otitis media
  • Identifying the specific ear affected (left vs. right)
  • Understanding the implications of perforation in the tympanic membrane
  • Co-existing conditions that may complicate the diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, audiometric testing results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and specific interventions undertaken.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Complete medical history, including frequency of ear infections and any prior treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media requiring evaluation for potential surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Consider developmental milestones and family history of ear conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.12 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the chronic nature of the condition and the specific ear affected
  • Include any relevant diagnostic tests and treatment plans in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.12 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for chronic otitis media.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indication for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the chronicity and severity of the condition.

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 like H66.12, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.12, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like H66.12, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

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 difference between acute and chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media?

Acute tubotympanic suppurative otitis media is characterized by sudden onset and short duration, while chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media persists for an extended period, often leading to tympanic membrane perforation and ongoing symptoms.