ICD-10 Code H74.13 – Adhesive middle ear disease, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H74.13 – Adhesive middle ear disease, bilateral
What it is
H74.13 identifies adhesive middle ear disease affecting both ears. It means the middle ear structures are abnormally stuck together, usually from chronic inflammation or prior ear disease.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings may include retracted tympanic membrane, reduced middle ear mobility, and conductive hearing loss.
When to use this code
Use H74.13 when the record clearly states bilateral adhesive middle ear disease or bilateral adhesive otitis media. You may also use it when the clinician documents bilateral middle ear adhesions with chronic structural change. Check documentation if the note only describes effusion, scarring, or hearing loss without adhesive disease.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral adhesive middle ear disease or for simple otitis media without adhesions. It is also not appropriate when the chart only mentions nonspecific middle ear problems.
Coding tip
Confirm that the documentation specifies bilateral adhesive disease; laterality matters for accurate code selection.