ICD-10 Code H66.013 – Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.013 – Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, bilateral
What it is
This code identifies an acute bacterial middle-ear infection in both ears with pus and a spontaneous tear in each eardrum. Use it when documentation clearly states bilateral acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, fever, irritability, and otorrhea after eardrum rupture. You may also see a bulging or inflamed tympanic membrane before rupture; clinical features vary, so refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H66.013 when the provider documents acute suppurative otitis media in both ears and notes spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane. It also fits when the record clearly links drainage to the infection rather than trauma or surgery.
If laterality is specified as bilateral, do not default to unilateral or unspecified otitis media codes. Check documentation if the note only mentions otorrhea, perforation, or ear infection without confirming spontaneous rupture.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic suppurative otitis media, traumatic tympanic membrane perforation, or nonsuppurative ear infections. Check documentation if the rupture is postoperative or the laterality is not stated.
Coding tip
Confirm both the acute suppurative infection and bilateral spontaneous rupture are documented before assigning H66.013.