ICD-10 Code H65.00 – Acute serous otitis media, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.00 – Acute serous otitis media, unspecified ear
What it is
H65.00 identifies acute serous otitis media in an ear that is not specified. It refers to fluid behind the eardrum without signs of acute bacterial infection.
Clinical signs
Common findings include ear fullness, mild hearing loss, and a dull or retracted tympanic membrane with visible middle-ear effusion. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents acute serous otitis media and does not identify the affected ear. It also fits when the note confirms middle-ear effusion and acute serous otitis media without laterality. If the record specifies right or left ear, code the more specific option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use H65.00 for chronic otitis media, suppurative otitis media, or otitis media with a specified ear. Check documentation if the note describes a different middle-ear disorder.
Coding tip
Query for laterality whenever the ear is not stated, because unspecified ear codes should be used only when documentation remains incomplete.