Chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media, unsp ear

This code signifies a persistent, purulent infection of the middle ear involving the attic (epitympanum) and antrum, characterized by chronic inflammation and often bone erosion. It represents a long-standing inflammatory process within these specific middle ear structures, typically associated with cholesteatoma formation.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "chronic atticoantral suppurative otitis media" without specifying laterality. This diagnosis is often made based on otoscopic findings, imaging (e.g., CT scan showing bone erosion or cholesteatoma), and a history of recurrent ear discharge.

• Do not use if the documentation specifies a laterality (right, left, bilateral); instead, select the more specific code.
• Frequently co-occurs with codes for cholesteatoma (e.g., H71.-) and ossicular chain defects (e.g., H74.3-).
• Ensure the "chronic" nature of the condition is clearly documented to differentiate from acute or subacute forms.