ICD-10 Code H65.03 – Acute Serous Otitis Media, Bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.03 – Acute serous otitis media, bilateral
What it is
This code identifies an acute, noninfectious middle-ear effusion affecting both ears. It means fluid is present behind both eardrums without signs of acute suppurative infection.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear fullness, muffled hearing, and reduced eardrum mobility on exam. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H65.03 when the provider documents acute serous otitis media in both ears, or bilateral middle-ear effusion with serous fluid. Choose this code when the record supports an acute, bilateral condition and does not describe purulent otitis media or another ear disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute suppurative otitis media, chronic serous otitis media, or unilateral disease. Check documentation if laterality or the type of middle-ear effusion is unclear.
Coding tip
Verify both the acute nature and bilateral laterality in the provider note before assigning H65.03.