ICD-10 Code H73.009 – Acute myringitis, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H73.009 – Acute myringitis, unspecified ear
What it is
H73.009 identifies acute inflammation of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, when the ear is not specified. Use it when the record documents myringitis but does not identify right or left side.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include an inflamed, painful eardrum and ear discomfort. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, associated infection, or whether bullae, discharge, or hearing changes are described.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute myringitis and does not state which ear is affected. It also fits when the note clearly supports eardrum inflammation but lacks enough detail for a more specific code. Check documentation if otitis media or another ear disorder is also recorded.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic myringitis or for nonspecific ear pain without documented tympanic membrane inflammation. Do not assign it when the record specifies right or left ear and a laterality-specific code is available.
Coding tip
Query for laterality whenever the chart says only “myringitis” or “ear infection,” because unspecified ear codes should be used only when documentation remains incomplete.