ICD-10 Code H65.02 – Acute serous otitis media, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.02 – Acute serous otitis media, left ear
What it is
H65.02 identifies acute serous otitis media affecting the left ear. It means fluid is present in the middle ear without a clear acute bacterial infection, and the condition is limited to the left side.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear fullness, muffled hearing, and a visible middle-ear effusion on exam. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality and whether the episode is acute.
When to use this code
Use H65.02 when the record clearly states acute serous otitis media in the left ear. You should also use it when the clinician documents left-sided middle-ear fluid or effusion with this diagnosis. Check documentation if the note only says otitis media without laterality.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for right ear, bilateral disease, or unspecified ear. It is also not appropriate for suppurative otitis media or other non-serous ear infections.
Coding tip
Confirm both the serous type and left-ear laterality in the chart before assigning H65.02.