Otorrhea, unspecified ear
ICD-10 H92.10 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of otorrhea, unspecified ear.
Otorrhea, or ear discharge, is a clinical symptom characterized by the presence of fluid or pus draining from the ear canal. This condition can arise from various underlying pathologies, including otitis media, otitis externa, or perforation of the tympanic membrane. The discharge may be serous, purulent, or bloody, and its characteristics can provide clues to the underlying cause. In cases of otitis media, the discharge may be associated with pain, fever, and hearing loss, while otitis externa may present with itching and inflammation of the ear canal. The diagnosis of otorrhea is typically made through clinical examination, which may include otoscopy to visualize the ear canal and tympanic membrane. Additional diagnostic tests, such as cultures or imaging studies, may be warranted based on the clinical presentation. Management of otorrhea focuses on treating the underlying cause, which may involve antibiotics for bacterial infections, analgesics for pain relief, or surgical interventions such as tympanostomy tubes for recurrent otitis media. Accurate coding of otorrhea is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.
Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.
Patients presenting with ear pain, discharge, and hearing loss due to otitis media or externa.
Ensure documentation specifies the type of otorrhea and any associated symptoms for accurate coding.
Complete medical history, including recurrent ear infections and treatment history.
Children with recurrent otitis media presenting with otorrhea.
Consider age-related factors and developmental milestones when documenting.
When a patient presents with otorrhea and cerumen impaction.
Document the presence of cerumen and the procedure performed.
Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure in conjunction with other treatments for otorrhea.
H92.10 is used for unspecified otorrhea, while H92.11 specifies otorrhea in the right ear. Accurate coding requires documentation of the affected ear.
