Other acute nonsuppurative otitis media, bilateral

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the middle ear that is not characterized by pus formation, affecting both ears. It indicates a non-infectious or non-bacterial inflammatory process within the middle ear space. This condition often presents with ear pain, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness.

This code is appropriate when documentation specifies acute, non-suppurative otitis media affecting both the left and right ears. It should be used when the provider explicitly states the absence of purulent discharge or bacterial infection as the primary cause. Documentation supporting this code includes physician notes detailing bilateral ear involvement and the non-suppurative nature of the inflammation.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, a unilateral code or unspecified laterality code may be more appropriate.
• Distinguish from suppurative otitis media (H66.-) which involves pus formation.
• Consider an additional code for the underlying cause if known, such as allergies or viral infections, to provide a more complete clinical picture.