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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH72.01

H72.01

Billable

Central perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H72.01 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of central perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Central perforation of the tympanic membrane (TM) in the right ear is a condition characterized by a defect or hole in the TM, which separates the external ear from the middle ear. This perforation can result from various causes, including chronic otitis media, trauma, or barotrauma. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, otorrhea (ear discharge), tinnitus, and sometimes pain. The perforation can be diagnosed through otoscopic examination, where the physician can visualize the TM and assess the size and location of the perforation. Management typically involves treating any underlying infection, providing analgesics for pain relief, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanoplasty may be necessary to repair the TM and restore hearing. The prognosis is generally good, especially with appropriate treatment, although some patients may experience persistent hearing loss depending on the extent of the damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of tympanic membrane perforations (central vs. marginal)
  • Understanding the underlying causes (e.g., otitis media, trauma)
  • Documenting associated symptoms and their severity
  • Identifying the need for surgical intervention versus conservative management

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of the perforation
  • Failure to document associated symptoms
  • Misclassification of the type of perforation
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed otoscopic findings, treatment plans, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, trauma to the ear, or post-surgical evaluations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the size and location of the perforation, as well as any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Hearing assessments, audiograms, and patient history related to hearing loss.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hearing loss secondary to tympanic membrane perforation or chronic otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of the perforation on hearing and any recommended audiological interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H72.01 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, H72
  • 01 should be used when there is a documented central perforation of the tympanic membrane in the right ear
  • It is essential to ensure that the documentation specifies the type of perforation and any associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H72.01 When
  • Exclusion criteria include perforations due to foreign body insertion or other specific conditions not classified under this code

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair of the tympanic membrane is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the reason for surgery is clearly documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tympanic membrane conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H72.01 provides a clear distinction for central perforations, which aids in clinical management and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tympanic membrane conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H72.01 provides a clear distinction for central perforations, which aids in clinical management and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 are the common causes of central perforation of the tympanic membrane?

Common causes include chronic otitis media, trauma, and barotrauma. Infections can lead to inflammation and subsequent perforation.

How is a central perforation of the tympanic membrane treated?

Treatment may involve antibiotics for infection, pain management, and possibly surgical repair (tympanoplasty) if the perforation does not heal on its own.