ICD-10 Code H65.111 – Acute and subacute allergic otitis media (mucoid) (sanguinous) (serous), right ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.111 – Acute and subacute allergic otitis media (mucoid) (sanguinous) (serous), right ear
What it is
This code identifies allergic otitis media affecting the right ear, with acute or subacute onset and a nonpurulent middle-ear effusion that may be mucoid, sanguinous, or serous. Use it when documentation specifies the right side.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include middle-ear fluid, ear fullness, muffled hearing, and a history of allergy-related ear disease. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality and the type of effusion.
When to use this code
Use H65.111 when the provider documents acute or subacute allergic otitis media in the right ear and describes the effusion as mucoid, sanguinous, or serous. It is also appropriate when the record clearly links the condition to allergy and specifies right-sided involvement. Check documentation if laterality or effusion type is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for left, bilateral, or unspecified ear disease. Do not use it for suppurative otitis media or other ear infections unless the record specifically supports allergic otitis media.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and the allergic, nonpurulent nature of the effusion before assigning H65.111.