ICD-10 Code H66.019 – Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.019 – Acute suppurative otitis media with spontaneous rupture of ear drum, unspecified ear
What it is
This code identifies an acute middle-ear infection with pus and a spontaneous perforation of the eardrum, but the affected ear is not specified. Use it when the record supports both the infection and rupture.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include ear pain, drainage after eardrum rupture, and signs of acute otitis media on exam. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H66.019 when the provider documents acute suppurative otitis media and notes spontaneous rupture of the tympanic membrane, without naming right or left ear. It is appropriate for encounters where the diagnosis is confirmed clinically or documented as the reason for treatment. Check documentation if laterality is stated elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code if the ear is specified, because a laterality-specific code is more accurate. Do not use it for chronic otitis media, otitis externa, or a tympanic membrane perforation without acute infection.
Coding tip
Confirm both acute suppurative otitis media and spontaneous rupture before assigning H66.019; if laterality is documented, code the more specific option.