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ICD-10 Coding for Otitis Media Right Ear(H65.01, H66.001)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Otitis Media Right Ear. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Right Ear Middle Ear InfectionRight Ear OM

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Otitis Media Right Ear

H65-H67Primary Range

Diseases of middle ear and mastoid

This range includes all types of otitis media, specifying laterality and type of effusion.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H65.01Acute serous otitis media, right earUse when acute serous effusion is present in the right ear without purulence.
  • Pneumatic otoscopy showing effusion without pus
  • Duration less than 3 months
H66.001Acute suppurative otitis media, right earUse when there is purulent discharge and tympanic membrane bulging in the right ear.
  • Purulent discharge
  • Bulging tympanic membrane

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for otitis media right ear

Essential facts and insights about Otitis Media Right Ear

The ICD-10 code for acute serous otitis media in the right ear is H65.01, while acute suppurative otitis media is H66.001.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for otitis media right ear

Acute serous otitis media, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Effusion present without purulence

documentation Criteria

  • Laterality and duration must be documented

Applicable To

  • Acute serous otitis media with effusion, right ear

Excludes

  • Chronic serous otitis media (H65.3-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Pneumatic otoscopy showing effusion without pus
  • Duration less than 3 months

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if laterality is not specified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies acute nature and serous effusion.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Tympanic membrane perforation, right ear

H72.91
Use if perforation is present alongside otitis media

Unspecified asthma, uncomplicated

J45.909
Use if asthma is present and relevant to the otitis media

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Acute and subacute allergic otitis media, recurrent, right ear

H65.114
Presence of allergy history and mucoid discharge

Acute serous otitis media, right ear

H65.01
Presence of serous effusion without pus

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Otitis Media Right Ear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H65.01.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inaccurate patient records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes laterality and type of effusion.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to unspecified codes, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity requirements, Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of patient records

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the condition affects the right, left, or both ears.

Impact

Coding without specifying ear laterality increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Otitis Media Right Ear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Otitis Media Right Ear

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Otitis Media Right Ear. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Otitis Media in Pediatric Patient

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Patient age
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Laterality
  • Effusion type
  • Presence of fever

Example Documentation

4-year-old male presents with acute serous otitis media, right ear, confirmed by pneumatic otoscopy.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
OM right
Good Documentation Example
Acute serous otitis media, right ear, with intact tympanic membrane
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of otitis media and laterality, meeting ICD-10 documentation requirements.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Otitis Media Right Ear? Ask your questions below.

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