Chronic allergic otitis media, bilateral

This code signifies a persistent inflammatory condition of the middle ear, affecting both ears, that is triggered by an allergic reaction. It involves chronic fluid accumulation or inflammation behind the eardrum due to an allergic response, rather than an infection.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a chronic, bilateral middle ear inflammation attributed to an allergic etiology. Supporting documentation should include physician notes specifying "allergic otitis media" and "chronic" or "persistent" symptoms affecting both ears.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "allergic" as the cause, not just "chronic otitis media."
• Verify the laterality is "bilateral" as specified; separate codes exist for unilateral involvement.
• Do not confuse with acute allergic otitis media (H65.2-) or other forms of chronic non-allergic otitis media (e.g., H65.49-).