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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH72.03

H72.03

Billable

Central perforation of tympanic membrane, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H72.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of central perforation of tympanic membrane, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Central perforation of the tympanic membrane, commonly known as the eardrum, is a condition characterized by a hole or tear in the membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. This perforation can occur bilaterally, affecting both ears, and is often a result of chronic otitis media, trauma, or barotrauma. Patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, ear pain, tinnitus, and discharge from the ear. The perforation can lead to complications such as recurrent ear infections and further hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, where the physician can visualize the perforation. Audiometric testing may also be conducted to assess the degree of hearing loss. Management may include medical treatment with antibiotics for infections, surgical intervention such as tympanoplasty to repair the membrane, and hearing aids if necessary. The prognosis is generally good 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 bilateral involvement accurately
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Failure to document the cause of the perforation
  • Misclassification of the type of perforation
  • Lack of supporting audiometric testing results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, and results of audiometric tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the extent of the perforation and any associated symptoms.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiometric evaluation results and recommendations for hearing aids or other interventions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hearing loss secondary to tympanic membrane perforation.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of the perforation on hearing thresholds and communication abilities.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H72.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H72
  • 03 should be used when there is a documented bilateral central perforation of the tympanic membrane
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H72.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical repair of the tympanic membrane in patients with perforations.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and indications for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the extent of the perforation and any complications.

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. H72.03 provides a clear distinction for bilateral cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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. H72.03 provides a clear distinction for bilateral cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of tympanic membrane conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H72.03 provides a clear distinction for bilateral cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 fluid accumulation and pressure changes that result in perforation.

How is a central perforation diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through otoscopic examination, where the physician can visualize the perforation. Audiometric testing may also be performed to assess hearing loss.

What are the treatment options for bilateral tympanic membrane perforations?

Treatment options may include medical management with antibiotics for infections, surgical repair through tympanoplasty, and hearing aids if necessary.