ICD-10 Code H66.0 – Acute suppurative otitis media (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.0 – Acute suppurative otitis media
What it is
H66.0 identifies an acute middle-ear infection with pus. Use it when documentation clearly states acute suppurative otitis media, usually a short-term bacterial ear infection.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, fever, irritability, and a bulging or inflamed tympanic membrane. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H66.0 when the record specifies acute suppurative otitis media or an acute purulent middle-ear infection. Code it when the provider documents the condition as the active diagnosis, whether unilateral or unspecified. If laterality or recurrence is stated elsewhere, follow the documented details.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic otitis media, otitis externa, or nonsuppurative middle-ear disease. Check documentation if the note only says “ear infection” without confirming suppurative otitis media.
Coding tip
Assign H66.0 only when the provider documents acute suppurative otitis media; otherwise, query for specificity.