Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, right ear
ICD-10 H66.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of suppurative otitis media, unspecified, right ear.
Suppurative otitis media is an inflammatory condition of the middle ear characterized by the presence of pus. It is often a result of bacterial infection following a viral upper respiratory infection. Patients typically present with ear pain, fever, irritability in children, and possible hearing loss. The condition can be acute or chronic, with acute cases often resolving with appropriate antibiotic therapy. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane, and possibly purulent drainage. Management may include analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for bacterial infections, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy tubes for recurrent cases. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific causative organism or the severity of the condition is not documented, which can complicate treatment decisions and prognosis.
Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.
Acute ear infections in children, chronic otitis media in adults.
Ensure clear documentation of ear examination findings and any imaging studies.
Growth and development assessments, vaccination history, and family history of ear infections.
Recurrent ear infections in children, management of associated symptoms.
Document parental concerns and any referrals to specialists.
Used for patients with recurrent suppurative otitis media requiring drainage.
Operative report detailing the procedure and indication.
Otolaryngologists must document the frequency of infections and previous treatments.
Acute suppurative otitis media is a sudden onset infection characterized by the presence of pus, while chronic suppurative otitis media is a long-term condition that may involve persistent drainage and hearing loss.
