ICD-10 Code H74.12 – Adhesive left middle ear disease (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H74.12 – Adhesive left middle ear disease
What it is
H74.12 identifies adhesive disease affecting the left middle ear, where the eardrum and middle-ear structures are abnormally stuck together. It reflects a chronic structural problem rather than an acute infection.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include retracted tympanic membrane, middle-ear adhesion, and conductive hearing loss. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation if the record does not clearly describe laterality or adhesive change.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents adhesive disease limited to the left middle ear. It is appropriate when the record supports chronic adhesion or fixation of middle-ear structures on the left side. If the note only says “middle ear disease” without laterality or adhesive detail, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unspecified middle-ear disease or for acute otitis media without adhesive findings. Avoid it when the condition is documented on the right side or bilaterally instead of the left.
Coding tip
Verify laterality and the word “adhesive” in the provider note before assigning H74.12.