ICD-10 Code H66.005 – Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.005 – Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, left ear
What it is
This code identifies a recurrent bacterial middle-ear infection in the left ear with pus formation, but without spontaneous rupture of the eardrum. Use it when the documentation clearly states the left side and recurrence.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, fever, irritability, and a bulging or inflamed tympanic membrane. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation, especially when the record notes recurrent infection and no spontaneous perforation.
When to use this code
Use H66.005 when the provider documents acute suppurative otitis media of the left ear, recurrent, and explicitly states there is no spontaneous rupture of the ear drum. It may also fit follow-up notes that restate the same confirmed diagnosis. Check documentation if laterality or recurrence is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for otitis media with spontaneous tympanic membrane rupture, nonsuppurative otitis media, or unspecified ear laterality. If the record does not confirm recurrence, check documentation.
Coding tip
Confirm three elements in the note: recurrent, left ear, and no spontaneous rupture; if any are missing, query or code to the documented specificity.