Acute serous otitis media, recurrent, right ear

This code signifies an acute inflammatory condition of the right middle ear characterized by the presence of serous (thin, watery) fluid, which has occurred multiple times. It indicates a non-suppurative inflammation where the eardrum is intact and there is no active infection with pus.

Apply this code when documentation specifies recurrent episodes of acute serous otitis media affecting the right ear. This typically involves a patient presenting with symptoms such as ear fullness, hearing loss, or otalgia, and otoscopic examination reveals a bulging or retracted tympanic membrane with a visible fluid level or air bubbles.

• Differentiate from chronic serous otitis media (H65.2-) and other types of acute otitis media (e.g., suppurative, mucoid).
• Ensure laterality (right ear) is clearly documented.
• If the condition is bilateral, a separate code for the left ear (H65.05) or unspecified ear (H65.07) would be used in conjunction or instead, depending on documentation.