Acute and subacute allergic otitis media (serous), unsp ear

This code signifies inflammation of the middle ear, characterized by the presence of fluid (mucoid, sanguinous, or serous), that is triggered by an allergic reaction. The condition is acute or subacute, meaning it has a sudden onset or has been present for a short duration. This specific code is used when the affected ear is not specified in the documentation.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates allergic otitis media, either acute or subacute, with fluid present in the middle ear, and the laterality (left, right, or bilateral) is not specified. This diagnosis is supported by findings such as fluid behind the tympanic membrane, hearing loss, ear pain, and a history or current evidence of allergic triggers.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "allergic" as the etiology; otherwise, consider non-allergic otitis media codes.
• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies laterality (e.g., right ear, left ear, bilateral); instead, select the more specific H65.111 or H65.112.
• Distinguish from chronic allergic otitis media (H65.41-) based on the duration specified in the clinical notes.