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ICD-10 Coding for Recurrent Acute Otitis Media(H65.04, H66.14)

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

Also known as:

Recurrent AOMRecurrent Ear Infections

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Recurrent Acute Otitis Media

H65.04-H65.07Primary Range

Recurrent acute nonsuppurative otitis media

This range covers recurrent acute otitis media without suppuration, specifying laterality.

H66.14-H66.17Primary Range

Recurrent acute suppurative otitis media

This range covers recurrent acute otitis media with suppuration, specifying laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H65.04Recurrent acute nonsuppurative otitis media, right earUse when the patient has recurrent nonsuppurative otitis media affecting the right ear.
  • ≥3 episodes in 6 months or ≥4 in 12 months
  • Documented tympanometry showing Type B curve
H66.14Recurrent acute suppurative otitis media, right earUse when the patient has recurrent suppurative otitis media affecting the right ear.
  • ≥3 episodes in 6 months or ≥4 in 12 months
  • Presence of purulent discharge

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 recurrent acute otitis media

Essential facts and insights about Recurrent Acute Otitis Media

The ICD-10 codes for recurrent acute otitis media are H65.04-H65.07 for nonsuppurative and H66.14-H66.17 for suppurative cases, specifying laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for recurrent acute otitis media

Recurrent acute nonsuppurative otitis media, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Documented episodes and tympanometry results

Applicable To

  • Recurrent serous otitis media
  • Recurrent mucoid otitis media

Excludes

  • Suppurative otitis media (H66.-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • ≥3 episodes in 6 months or ≥4 in 12 months
  • Documented tympanometry showing Type B curve

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as suppurative when no pus is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and type of fluid.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of recurrent acute otitis media

Z87.21
Use for patients with a history of recurrent AOM.

Follow-up after treatment for conditions other than malignant neoplasm

Z09
Use for follow-up visits post-treatment.

Differential Codes

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

Recurrent acute suppurative otitis media, right ear

H66.14
Presence of purulent discharge differentiates suppurative from nonsuppurative.

Recurrent acute nonsuppurative otitis media, right ear

H65.04
Absence of purulent discharge differentiates nonsuppurative from suppurative.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Recurrent Acute Otitis Media to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H65.04.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Could result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on documentation requirements, Use templates that prompt for episode count

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider for specific details such as laterality and suppuration.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified coding of otitis media.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure complete documentation of all relevant clinical details.

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

Documentation Templates for Recurrent Acute Otitis Media

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

Recurrent AOM in pediatric patient

Specialty: Pediatrics

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical exam findings
  • Type of fluid
  • Laterality
  • Number of episodes

Example Documentation

Patient is a 3-year-old with 4 episodes of AOM in the past 6 months, right ear, with purulent discharge.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Recurrent ear infections.
Good Documentation Example
Fourth episode of acute suppurative otitis media in 5 months, right ear with bulging TM and purulent discharge.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding.

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

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