ICD-10 Code H65.07 – Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.07 – Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, unspecified ear
What it is
H65.07 identifies recurrent episodes of acute serous otitis media affecting an ear that is not specified. It means fluid is present in the middle ear without clear signs of acute bacterial infection.
Clinical signs
Typical documentation may include ear fullness, muffled hearing, or visible middle-ear effusion on otoscopy. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record states recurrent acute serous otitis media and does not specify left or right ear. It fits cases documented as repeated middle-ear effusion episodes. If the note names a specific ear, code that laterality instead.
Do not use for
Do not use it for acute suppurative otitis media, chronic serous otitis media, or nonspecific ear pain. Check documentation if the diagnosis only says otitis media without serous or recurrent detail.
Coding tip
Confirm both recurrence and laterality before assigning H65.07; unspecified ear should be supported by the provider note.