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ICD-10 Coding for Perforated Eardrum(H72.01, S09.2)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Perforated Eardrum. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Tympanic Membrane PerforationRuptured Eardrum

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Perforated Eardrum

H72Primary Range

Perforation of tympanic membrane

This range covers all non-traumatic perforations of the tympanic membrane, including chronic and post-inflammatory cases.

Traumatic rupture of tympanic membrane

This range is used for acute traumatic ruptures of the tympanic membrane.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H72.01Central perforation of tympanic membrane, right earUse for chronic central perforations not due to acute trauma.
  • Otoscopy showing central perforation
  • Audiogram indicating conductive hearing loss
S09.2Traumatic rupture of tympanic membraneUse for recent traumatic events causing the rupture.
  • History of recent trauma
  • Otoscopy showing fresh edges

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 perforated eardrum

Essential facts and insights about Perforated Eardrum

The ICD-10 code for a perforated eardrum is H72, with subcodes for specific types and laterality. Use S09.2 for traumatic cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for perforated eardrum

Central perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Chronicity and non-traumatic origin

Applicable To

  • Chronic central perforation
  • Post-inflammatory perforation

Excludes

  • Acute suppurative otitis media with rupture (H66.01)
  • Traumatic rupture (S09.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Otoscopy showing central perforation
  • Audiogram indicating conductive hearing loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusing with acute traumatic rupture codes

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and chronicity.

Differential Codes

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

Traumatic rupture of tympanic membrane

S09.2
Use S09.2 for acute traumatic events causing the rupture.

Central perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear

H72.01
Use H72.01 for chronic, non-traumatic perforations.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Perforated Eardrum to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H72.01.

Impact

Clinical: Misleading clinical picture, Regulatory: Potential audit issues, Financial: Incorrect billing

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about recent trauma or infections, Include cause in clinical notes

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect DRG assignment, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Use S09.2 for acute traumatic ruptures.

Impact

Using H72 for acute traumatic cases

Mitigation Strategy

Review trauma history before coding

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 Perforated Eardrum, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Perforated Eardrum

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Perforated Eardrum. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic perforation documentation

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Location and size of perforation
  • Laterality
  • Audiogram results
  • Etiology

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Perforated eardrum
Good Documentation Example
Central perforation of the right tympanic membrane, 30% size, due to chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about location, size, and cause.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Perforated Eardrum? Ask your questions below.

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