ICD-10 Code H73.81 – Atrophic flaccid tympanic membrane (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H73.81 – Atrophic flaccid tympanic membrane
What it is
Atrophic flaccid tympanic membrane means the eardrum is thin, weakened, or floppy. It describes a structural change of the tympanic membrane rather than a specific infection.
Clinical signs
Findings may include a retracted, translucent, or overly mobile tympanic membrane on otoscopic exam. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H73.81 when the provider documents an atrophic or flaccid eardrum as the diagnosis. It may be used when the abnormal membrane is noted during an ear examination or follow-up, and no more specific middle-ear disorder is documented.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute otitis media, tympanic membrane perforation, or other clearly documented ear diseases. Check documentation if the note describes a different membrane abnormality.
Coding tip
Code the documented membrane abnormality exactly and avoid assuming chronic ear disease without provider support.