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 CodesH66.40

H66.40

Billable

Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H66.40 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of suppurative otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Suppurative otitis media is an infection of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus. It can occur in one or both ears and is often a complication of upper respiratory infections. Symptoms typically include ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and sometimes hearing loss. The condition can be acute or chronic, with acute cases presenting suddenly and chronic cases persisting over time. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, red tympanic membrane. Management often involves antibiotics for bacterial infections, analgesics for pain relief, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy tubes for recurrent cases. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment and reimbursement, as well as for tracking epidemiological data on ear infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation (acute vs. chronic)
  • Differentiation from other types of otitis media
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic otitis media
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on patient history, physical examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of recurrent otitis media in pediatric patients, surgical interventions like tympanostomy.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the type of otitis media and any surgical procedures performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections, including frequency and previous treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Evaluation of children with recurrent ear infections and management strategies.

Billing Considerations

Document developmental milestones and any impact on hearing or speech.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H66.40 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding otitis media, ensuring to document the clinical findings and treatment provided
  • suppurative otitis media unless specified

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H66.40 When
  • Exclude codes for non

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, surgical

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with recurrent otitis media requiring drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for surgery and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the patient's history and treatment plan.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. H66.40 provides a broad category for unspecified cases, which can help capture a significant number of patients with otitis media.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H66.40 provides a broad category for unspecified cases, which can help capture a significant number of patients with otitis media.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. H66.40 provides a broad category for unspecified cases, which can help capture a significant number of patients with otitis media.

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 suppurative otitis media?

Acute suppurative otitis media presents suddenly with symptoms like ear pain and fever, while chronic suppurative otitis media persists for an extended period, often with intermittent drainage and hearing loss.