Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified ear

This code signifies a long-standing, non-infectious inflammation of the middle ear that is not further specified as to the type or laterality. It indicates a chronic middle ear condition without pus formation, where the specific nature of the inflammation (e.g., serous, mucoid) is not documented.

Apply this code when documentation indicates chronic otitis media that is explicitly stated as nonsuppurative, but lacks further detail regarding the specific type (e.g., serous, mucoid, adhesive) or the affected ear. This is a residual category for chronic nonsuppurative otitis media when more specific codes cannot be assigned due to insufficient information.

• Avoid using this code if the documentation specifies the type of chronic nonsuppurative otitis media (e.g., serous, mucoid, adhesive) or the affected ear (right, left, bilateral).
• Always query the provider for more specific details regarding the type and laterality of the otitis media to allow for more precise coding.
• This code should be a last resort when no other, more specific chronic nonsuppurative otitis media code can be assigned.