ICD-10 Code H65.31 – Chronic mucoid otitis media, right ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H65.31 – Chronic mucoid otitis media, right ear
What it is
H65.31 identifies chronic mucoid otitis media in the right ear. It means persistent middle-ear fluid that is thick or mucus-like, without acute infection being the main problem.
Clinical signs
Common findings include a sense of ear fullness, muffled hearing, and a visible middle-ear effusion on otoscopic exam. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly documents chronic mucoid otitis media affecting the right ear only. It fits ongoing middle-ear effusion or chronic serous-type disease with mucoid fluid, not an acute ear infection. Check documentation if laterality or chronicity is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use it for acute otitis media, unspecified otitis media, or disease documented in the left ear or both ears. If the note does not confirm mucoid chronic effusion, check documentation.
Coding tip
Match the code to the documented ear side and chronicity; laterality matters here.