ICD-10 Code H92 – Otalgia and effusion of ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H92 – Otalgia and effusion of ear
What it is
H92 covers ear pain (otalgia) and fluid in the ear. Use it when the record documents these ear findings without a more specific diagnosis.
Clinical signs
Patients may report ear pain, pressure, fullness, or decreased hearing. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for whether the finding is pain, effusion, or both.
When to use this code
Use H92 when the provider documents otalgia or ear effusion as the diagnosis, and no more specific ear disorder is recorded. It may fit visits where the ear symptom is the main reason for evaluation. If the note identifies a definitive cause, code the underlying condition instead.
Do not use for
Do not use H92 for generalized head pain, hearing loss alone, or an established middle ear disease with a more specific code. Check documentation if the record names an infection, injury, or other defined ear condition.
Coding tip
Code the documented ear symptom only when the chart does not support a more specific diagnosis.