ICD-10 Code H66.1 – Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H66.1 – Chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media
What it is
H66.1 identifies chronic infection and inflammation of the middle ear with persistent or recurring ear discharge through a non-intact tympanic membrane. It refers to the tubotympanic type, which involves the middle ear and Eustachian tube area.
Clinical signs
Common findings include chronic otorrhea, a perforated eardrum, and hearing loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for whether the process is active, chronic, or associated with other ear disease.
When to use this code
Use H66.1 when the provider documents chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media, chronic middle ear infection with perforation, or long-standing draining ear disease of this type. Code it when the diagnosis is clearly stated in the record and not described as acute or unspecified.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute otitis media, otitis media with effusion, or external ear infections. Check documentation if the note does not clearly identify chronic tubotympanic suppurative otitis media.
Coding tip
Verify that the record supports chronic disease with middle ear involvement and avoid substituting H66.1 for nonspecific otitis media.