Chronic serous otitis media, right ear

This code signifies a persistent, non-infectious inflammation of the right middle ear characterized by the presence of serous (thin, watery) fluid behind the eardrum. It indicates a chronic condition where the Eustachian tube dysfunction leads to fluid accumulation without acute signs of infection.

Apply this code when documentation specifies chronic serous otitis media affecting the right ear. This diagnosis is typically supported by otoscopic examination revealing a dull, retracted eardrum with fluid levels or bubbles, and often confirmed by tympanometry showing a type B or C tympanogram.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "chronic" and specifies the "right ear" to support this laterality.
• Distinguish from acute serous otitis media (H65.01) or other forms of chronic otitis media (e.g., mucoid, suppurative).
• If bilateral involvement is documented, use the appropriate bilateral code (H65.23) or separate codes for each ear if laterality differs.