ICD-10 Code H66.009 – Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.009 – Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear
What it is
H66.009 identifies an acute bacterial middle-ear infection with pus, but no spontaneous eardrum rupture, when the affected ear is not specified. Use it when the record documents acute suppurative otitis media and laterality is missing.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, fever, irritability, and a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of middle-ear infection without spontaneous perforation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the clinician documents acute suppurative otitis media and does not specify right, left, or bilateral ear. It also fits when the note states no spontaneous rupture of the eardrum. If the record later specifies laterality, code that instead.
Do not use for
Do not use it for otitis media with spontaneous tympanic membrane rupture, serous otitis media, or chronic ear infection. Check documentation if the note describes another otitis media type or a specified ear.
Coding tip
Confirm both laterality and eardrum status before assigning H66.009.