ICD-10 Code H66.20 – Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.20 – Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
What it is
This code identifies chronic suppurative middle-ear disease with attic and antral involvement, but the record does not specify the affected ear. Use it when the diagnosis is documented and laterality is not stated.
Clinical signs
Typical documentation may describe persistent or recurrent ear discharge, chronic middle-ear infection, and findings consistent with attic or antral disease. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H66.20 when the provider documents chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media and does not identify right or left ear. It is appropriate for outpatient, inpatient, or problem-list coding when the diagnosis is current and supported by the note. If the record later specifies the ear, code the more specific laterality instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute otitis media, nonsuppurative otitis media, or simple chronic otitis media without atticoantral involvement. Check documentation if the ear is specified or if the diagnosis is only suspected.
Coding tip
Confirm both chronic suppurative status and unspecified laterality before assigning H66.20.