ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH66.20

H66.20

Billable

Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media is a persistent infection of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus and inflammation, specifically affecting the atticoantral region, which includes the attic (the upper part of the middle ear) and the antrum (a cavity behind the eardrum). This condition often arises from recurrent acute otitis media or can develop as a complication of untreated acute infections. Patients typically present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and discharge from the ear. The discharge may be foul-smelling and can vary in consistency. Chronic otitis media can lead to complications such as cholesteatoma, which is an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can erode bone and lead to further hearing loss. Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, audiometric testing, and imaging studies if complications are suspected. Management may include medical therapy with antibiotics and decongestants, but surgical intervention, such as tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy, may be necessary for persistent cases or complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic forms of otitis media
  • Identifying specific anatomical involvement (atticoantral region)
  • Potential for complications requiring additional coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation and documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to document specific symptoms
  • Lack of evidence for surgical interventions if performed
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear infections, audiometric results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

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

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, symptom descriptions, and referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear pain or discharge, management of acute exacerbations.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the progression from acute to chronic otitis media is crucial.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.20 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to document the chronicity of the condition and any associated symptoms

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.20 When
  • Exclude codes for acute otitis media unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical intervention in chronic otitis media cases.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the extent of disease and surgical findings.

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 H66.20, 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 H66.20, 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 H66.20, 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 otitis media?

Acute otitis media is a sudden onset infection characterized by rapid symptoms, while chronic otitis media persists for months and often involves ongoing symptoms and complications.