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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH72.82

H72.82

Billable

Total perforations of tympanic membrane

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H72.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of total perforations of tympanic membrane.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Total perforations of the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum, refer to a complete rupture or tear that compromises its integrity. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including chronic otitis media, trauma, barotrauma, or exposure to foreign objects. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, otorrhea (ear discharge), tinnitus, and ear pain. The perforation can lead to complications such as recurrent infections, cholesteatoma, or further hearing impairment. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, which reveals the extent and location of the perforation. Management may include medical treatment with antibiotics for associated infections, surgical intervention such as tympanoplasty for repair, and audiological assessments to evaluate hearing loss. The prognosis varies depending on the size of the perforation and the underlying cause, with many patients experiencing significant improvement post-treatment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between partial and total perforations
  • Identifying the underlying cause of the perforation
  • Documenting associated symptoms and complications
  • Understanding the need for potential surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

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

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, trauma-related perforations, or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

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

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing the impact of the perforation on hearing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments post-perforation or post-surgery.

Billing Considerations

Document the correlation between tympanic membrane status and hearing loss to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H72.82 When
  • According to official coding guidelines, H72
  • 82 should be used when there is clear documentation of a total perforation of the tympanic membrane
  • It is essential to include details about the cause, associated symptoms, and any treatments provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H72.82 When
  • Exclusion criteria include perforations due to neoplasms or congenital conditions, which require different codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical repair of total perforations.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

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 ear conditions, including total perforations of the tympanic membrane. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

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

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 total perforations of the tympanic membrane?

Common causes include chronic otitis media, trauma, barotrauma, and foreign body insertion. Each cause may require different management strategies.