ICD-10 Code H66.003 – Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.003 – Acute suppurative otitis media without spontaneous rupture of ear drum, bilateral
What it is
Use this code for an acute bacterial middle ear infection affecting both ears, with pus present and no spontaneous perforation of the eardrum. It describes bilateral acute suppurative otitis media.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, fever, irritability, and a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Assign H66.003 when the provider documents acute suppurative otitis media in both ears and specifically notes no spontaneous rupture of either eardrum. Use it for encounters where the diagnosis is current and active. If the record does not clearly state bilaterality or rupture status, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for otitis media with spontaneous tympanic membrane rupture, chronic otitis media, or nonsuppurative otitis media. If the laterality is not bilateral, select the appropriate alternate code.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and eardrum rupture status in the provider note before coding.