Otorrhea, left ear
ICD-10 H92.12 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of otorrhea, left ear.
Otorrhea, or ear discharge, is a clinical condition characterized by the presence of fluid or pus draining from the ear canal. This condition can arise from various underlying causes, including otitis media (middle ear infection), otitis externa (outer ear infection), or perforation of the tympanic membrane. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. The discharge may be serous, purulent, or bloody, depending on the etiology. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, including otoscopy to visualize the ear canal and tympanic membrane, and may be supplemented by audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management of otorrhea focuses on treating the underlying cause, which may include antibiotics for bacterial infections, analgesics for pain relief, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy or myringotomy to facilitate drainage. Accurate coding of otorrhea is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of ear-related diseases.
Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, and treatment plan.
Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, chronic otorrhea, or post-surgical follow-ups.
Ensure documentation reflects the severity and duration of symptoms to support the diagnosis.
Comprehensive history including vaccination status and previous ear infections.
Children with recurrent otitis media leading to otorrhea.
Consider age-related factors in diagnosis and treatment, as well as parental concerns.
Used in cases of recurrent otorrhea due to otitis media requiring drainage.
Document the indication for surgery, pre-operative assessment, and post-operative care.
Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical interventions are well-documented to support coding.
H92.12 is used for otorrhea specifically in the left ear, while H92.11 is for the right ear. Accurate coding depends on the documentation specifying which ear is affected.
