ICD-10 Code H73.10 – Chronic myringitis, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H73.10 – Chronic myringitis, unspecified ear
What it is
H73.10 identifies chronic inflammation of the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, when the ear is not further specified. Use it for a persistent myringitis diagnosis documented by the clinician.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings may include a chronically inflamed or irritated eardrum, ear discomfort, or recurrent otoscopic abnormalities.
When to use this code
Use H73.10 when the provider documents chronic myringitis and does not specify the right or left ear. It also fits when the record confirms ongoing eardrum inflammation without a more precise ear designation. Check documentation if laterality is stated elsewhere.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute ear infections, otitis media, or nonspecific ear pain without chronic myringitis documented. If another tympanic membrane disorder is named, code that condition instead.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and the exact ear diagnosis in the note before assigning H73.10.