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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH92.20

H92.20

Billable

Otorrhagia, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H92.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of otorrhagia, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Otorrhagia, or ear bleeding, is a condition characterized by the presence of blood in the ear canal. This can arise from various underlying causes, including trauma, infections, or neoplasms. The condition may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, or a sensation of fullness in the ear. In some cases, otorrhagia may be associated with otitis media or externa, where inflammation or infection leads to the rupture of blood vessels. Diagnostic evaluation typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, otoscopic examination, and possibly imaging studies to identify the source of bleeding. Management may include addressing the underlying cause, such as treating infections or performing surgical interventions to control bleeding. In cases where the source is not immediately identifiable, further investigation may be warranted. Accurate coding of otorrhagia is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of potential underlying causes
  • Need for thorough documentation of symptoms
  • Differentiation from other ear conditions
  • Potential for co-existing conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the ear involved
  • Misdiagnosis of the underlying cause
  • Lack of follow-up documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, and any imaging or lab results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain and bleeding, often following trauma or infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and duration of symptoms to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including any recent illnesses or injuries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute ear infections or recent upper respiratory infections presenting with ear bleeding.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals to specialists for further evaluation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H92.20 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific ear is not identified
  • Document any relevant symptoms and underlying conditions to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H92.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

When cerumen impaction is suspected as a cause of otorrhagia.

Documentation Requirements

Document the presence of cerumen and the procedure performed.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure in conjunction with other evaluations.

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 otorrhagia. This specificity aids in better tracking of conditions and outcomes, although it requires more detailed documentation from providers.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including otorrhagia. This specificity aids in better tracking of conditions and outcomes, although it requires more detailed documentation from providers.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including otorrhagia. This specificity aids in better tracking of conditions and outcomes, although it requires more detailed documentation from providers.

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 otorrhagia?

Common causes include trauma, infections such as otitis media or externa, and neoplasms. Each cause may require different management strategies.

How is otorrhagia diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies to identify the source of bleeding.

What is the management for otorrhagia?

Management depends on the underlying cause and may include medical treatment for infections or surgical intervention for trauma or neoplasms.