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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH72.821

H72.821

Billable

Total perforations of tympanic membrane, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H72.821 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of total perforations of tympanic membrane, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Total perforations of the tympanic membrane (TM) in the right ear indicate a complete rupture or tear of the membrane, which 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 pain. The perforation can lead to complications such as cholesteatoma or recurrent infections. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, where the perforation is visualized, and audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management may include medical treatment with antibiotics for infections, tympanoplasty for surgical repair, and counseling on ear protection. The condition is significant as it can impact quality of life and may require ongoing monitoring and intervention.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between total and partial perforations
  • Understanding the underlying causes (e.g., trauma vs. infection)
  • Documenting associated symptoms and complications
  • Navigating coding for surgical interventions if performed

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the cause of perforation
  • Failure to document associated symptoms
  • Incorrect coding of related procedures
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-treatment

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on the patient's history, examination findings, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, hearing loss, or recurrent ear infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and impact of the perforation on hearing and quality of life.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing the extent of hearing loss.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments post-perforation or surgery.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between the perforation and hearing loss for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H72.821 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding ear conditions, ensuring accurate documentation of the type and cause of the perforation
  • Include any associated conditions that may affect treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H72.821 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanoplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair of the tympanic membrane is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes 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 ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H72.821 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H72.821 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H72.821 provides specificity that was not available 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 total perforations of the tympanic membrane?

Common causes include chronic otitis media, trauma (such as from a blow to the ear), barotrauma from pressure changes, and foreign body insertion.