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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Otitis Media Right Ear(H65.01, H65.04)

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

Also known as:

AOM Right EarEar Infection Right Ear

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Otitis Media Right Ear

H65-H66Primary Range

Diseases of middle ear and mastoid

This range includes codes for otitis media, which is the primary condition being documented.

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 serous fluid is present without purulent discharge.
  • Bulging tympanic membrane
  • Air-fluid level
H65.04Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, right earUse for recurrent episodes of serous otitis media.
  • Three or more episodes in six months

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 acute otitis media right ear

Essential facts and insights about Acute Otitis Media Right Ear

The ICD-10 code for acute serous otitis media in the right ear is H65.01. Use H65.04 for recurrent cases.

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

Acute serous otitis media, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of serous effusion without purulent discharge.

Applicable To

  • Serous fluid
  • Non-purulent effusion

Excludes

  • Suppurative otitis media

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bulging tympanic membrane
  • Air-fluid level

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if purulent discharge is present.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented as 'right ear'.

Ancillary Codes

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

Tobacco smoke exposure

Z77.22
Use if tobacco smoke exposure is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Acute suppurative otitis media without rupture, right ear

H66.001
Presence of purulent discharge.

Acute serous otitis media, right ear

H65.01
Use H65.01 for non-recurrent cases.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute 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: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific medical terminology., Include detailed otoscopy findings.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality and type of otitis media.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure detailed documentation and correct code selection.

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 Acute Otitis Media Right Ear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Acute Otitis Media Right Ear

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

Acute Visit for Ear Pain

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Otoscopy findings
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

3yo male with right ear pain, bulging TM with serous effusion. Plan: Amoxicillin.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
OM right ear. Rx antibiotics.
Good Documentation Example
Acute serous otitis media, right ear with bulging TM. Plan: Amoxicillin.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of otitis media and treatment plan.

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

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