Otitis Media ICD-10-CM Codes

Explore the ICD codes for otitis media. Learn about the codes, billability, and clinical relevance of this common ear infection.

By Ericka Pingol on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

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What ICD codes are used for otitis media?

When addressing otitis media, it's crucial to be familiar with the specific ICD-10-CM codes for otitis media for accurate clinical documentation and billing. Otitis Media refers to an inflammation or infection of the middle ear. Here are some commonly used ICD codes related to this condition:

Nonsuppurative otitis media

H65.00: Acute serous otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.01: Acute serous otitis media, right ear
H65.02: Acute serous otitis media, left ear
H65.03: Acute serous otitis media, bilateral
H65.04: Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, right ear
H65.05: Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, left ear
H65.06: Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, bilateral
H65.07: Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, unspecified ear
H65.11: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media (mucoid) (sanguinous) (serous)
H65.111: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, right ear
H65.112: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, left ear
H65.113: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, bilateral
H65.114: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, recurrent, right ear
H65.115: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, recurrent, left ear
H65.116: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, recurrent, bilateral
H65.117: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, recurrent, unspecified ear
H65.119: Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.19: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media
H65.191: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, right ear
H65.192: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, left ear
H65.193: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, bilateral
H65.194: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, recurrent, right ear
H65.195: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, recurrent, left ear
H65.196: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, recurrent, bilateral
H65.197: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, recurrent, unspecified ear
H65.199: Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.20: Chronic serous otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.21: Chronic serous otitis media, right ear
H65.22: Chronic serous otitis media, left ear
H65.23: Chronic serous otitis media, bilateral
H65.30: Chronic mucoid otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.31: Chronic mucoid otitis media, right ear
H65.32: Chronic mucoid otitis media, left ear
H65.33: Chronic mucoid otitis media, bilateral
H65.41: Chronic allergic otitis media
H65.411: Chronic allergic otitis media, right ear
H65.412: Chronic allergic otitis media, left ear
H65.413: Chronic allergic otitis media, bilateral
H65.419: Chronic allergic otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.49: Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media
H65.491: Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, right ear
H65.492: Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, left ear
H65.493: Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, bilateral
H65.499: Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.90: Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
H65.91: Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, right ear
H65.92: Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, left ear
H65.93: Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, bilateral

Suppurative and unspecified otitis media

H66.00: Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear
H66.01: Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear
H66.10: Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
H66.11: Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, right ear
H66.12: Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, left ear
H66.13: Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, bilateral
H66.20: Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
H66.21: Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, right ear
H66.22: Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, left ear
H66.23: Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, bilateral
H66.3X1: Other chronic suppurative otitis media, right ear
H66.3X2: Other chronic suppurative otitis media, left ear
H66.3X3: Other chronic suppurative otitis media, bilateral
H66.3X9: Other chronic suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
H66.40: Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear
H66.41: Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, right ear
H66.42: Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, left ear
H66.43: Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, bilateral
H66.90: Otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear
H66.91: Otitis media, unspecified, right ear
H66.92: Otitis media, unspecified, left ear
H66.93: Otitis media, unspecified, bilateral

Which otitis media ICD codes are billable?

All the ICD codes mentioned for otitis media are typically billable as they represent specific medical conditions that require intervention. Proper documentation is crucial to ensure accurate billing and prevent potential discrepancies.

Clinical information

Otitis media is a common condition characterised by inflammation or infection of the middle ear space. It can present in various forms, including acute otitis media, chronic otitis media, and serous otitis media, each with distinct clinical features and implications.

Acute otitis media (AOM) typically develops rapidly and is often triggered by upper respiratory infections. Patients may present with ear pain, fever, irritability, and hearing difficulty. Otoscopic examination often reveals a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. In more severe cases, an associated perforated tympanic membrane may occur, allowing purulent material to drain from the ear canal. This perforated tympanic membrane may relieve pressure and reduce pain, but it also signifies a more advanced infection.

Chronic otitis media refers to a persistent or recurrent infection of the middle ear, often accompanied by tympanic membrane perforation and continuous or intermittent otorrhoea (ear discharge). It is commonly associated with hearing loss and may require surgical intervention if medical management fails. Longstanding inflammation may lead to structural changes in the middle ear and surrounding tissues.

Serous otitis media, also known as otitis media with effusion, is marked by the presence of non-purulent fluid in the middle ear. It often occurs after the resolution of acute otitis media or as a result of eustachian tube dysfunction. Unlike AOM, serous otitis media is usually painless and does not present with systemic signs of infection, but it can contribute to hearing difficulties, particularly in children.

Management of otitis media depends on the type and severity of the condition. Acute cases may resolve spontaneously or require antibiotics, while chronic and serous forms often necessitate monitoring, hearing assessments, and sometimes surgical procedures like tympanostomy tube placement.

Synonyms include

Middle ear infection
Ear inflammation
Infective otitis media
Earache

Commonly asked questions

Otitis media is most commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection that leads to fluid accumulation and inflammation in the middle ear. Contributing factors include upper respiratory tract infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, and environmental exposures such as tobacco smoke, tobacco dependence, or occupational exposure to irritants. These conditions can impair normal ear drainage, especially in children, increasing the risk of infection. Though it affects the middle ear, otitis media may also be associated with conditions involving the external ear or result from broader diseases classified elsewhere.

Treatment depends on the specific type and severity. Acute otitis media may resolve without intervention or be treated with antibiotics to manage bacterial infection. Persistent or chronic otitis media, including serous otitis media, may require medical and surgical management such as tympanostomy tubes or nasal decongestants. If there is a tympanic membrane attic perforation, treatment may include surgical repair to prevent further complications and restore hearing.

Yes, otitis media can lead to temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup or perforation of the tympanic membrane. In more severe or recurrent cases, particularly those with chronic inflammation or attic perforation, there may be permanent conductive hearing loss due to damage to the ossicles or other middle ear structures. Identifying and managing risk factors like tobacco smoke exposure and related diseases classified elsewhere is crucial for prevention.

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