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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH72.812

H72.812

Billable

Multiple perforations of tympanic membrane, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H72.812 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of multiple perforations of tympanic membrane, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Multiple perforations of the tympanic membrane (TM) in the left ear can occur due to various etiologies, including chronic otitis media, trauma, or barotrauma. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, otorrhea (ear discharge), and ear pain. The tympanic membrane serves as a barrier to protect the middle ear from pathogens and external elements; thus, perforations can lead to recurrent infections and further complications. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, which reveals the presence of multiple perforations in the TM. Audiometric testing may also be conducted to assess the degree of hearing loss. Management strategies may include medical treatment with antibiotics for infections, tympanoplasty for surgical repair, and regular follow-up to monitor for complications. The presence of multiple perforations can complicate treatment and may require a multidisciplinary approach involving otolaryngologists and audiologists.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of symptoms
  • Need for precise documentation of the number and size of perforations
  • Potential for co-existing conditions (e.g., chronic otitis media)
  • Differentiation from other ear conditions (e.g., single perforation)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the number and characteristics of perforations
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or complications
  • Misuse of codes for related conditions (e.g., otitis media)
  • Inconsistent coding for surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the examination findings, including the size and location of perforations, and any associated findings such as fluid in the middle ear.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or post-traumatic ear injuries.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions are documented, including pre-operative assessments and post-operative outcomes.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations to assess the impact of perforations on hearing, including pure-tone thresholds and speech discrimination scores.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with hearing loss secondary to tympanic membrane perforations requiring hearing aids or other assistive devices.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between tympanic membrane status and hearing loss to support the need for audiological interventions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H72.812 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H72
  • 812 should be used when multiple perforations are documented
  • It is important to ensure that the left ear is specified, as coding for the right ear would require a different code
  • Additionally, if there are associated conditions such as otitis media, those should be coded separately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H72.812 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical repair of multiple perforations in the tympanic membrane.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative assessment, surgical notes detailing the procedure, and post-operative follow-up.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all aspects of the surgery are documented to support the coding.

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, including multiple perforations of the tympanic membrane. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation in healthcare settings.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including multiple perforations of the tympanic membrane. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation in healthcare settings.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of multiple perforations of the tympanic membrane?

Common causes include chronic otitis media, trauma, and barotrauma. Each of these conditions can lead to damage of the tympanic membrane, resulting in multiple perforations.

How is the diagnosis of multiple perforations made?

Diagnosis is typically made through an otoscopic examination, which reveals the presence of multiple perforations in the tympanic membrane. Audiometric testing may also be performed to assess the impact on hearing.

What are the treatment options for multiple perforations?

Treatment options may include medical management with antibiotics for infections, tympanoplasty for surgical repair, and regular monitoring for complications.