ICD-10 Code H66.015 – Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.015 – Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, recurrent, left ear
What it is
H66.015 identifies a recurrent left-sided middle ear infection with pus and a spontaneous eardrum rupture. Use it when documentation specifies acute suppurative otitis media, recurrence, left ear, and spontaneous perforation.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, drainage after drum rupture, hearing changes, and middle ear inflammation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, recurrence, and evidence of spontaneous tympanic membrane perforation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents recurrent acute suppurative otitis media in the left ear with spontaneous rupture of the eardrum. It fits cases where the infection is active and the perforation is not traumatic or postoperative. Check documentation if laterality, recurrence, or rupture mechanism is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonrecurrent otitis media, right or bilateral disease, or chronic suppurative otitis media. Also avoid it when the perforation is traumatic, surgical, or not documented as spontaneous.
Coding tip
Confirm all three elements—acute suppurative, recurrent, and left ear with spontaneous rupture—before assigning H66.015.