Suppurative otitis media, unspecified, left ear

This code signifies an acute or chronic inflammatory process of the middle ear, characterized by the presence of pus, specifically affecting the left ear. The exact type or cause of the suppurative otitis media is not specified in the medical record.

Apply this code when documentation indicates purulent middle ear inflammation in the left ear, but lacks further specificity regarding its nature (e.g., acute, chronic, recurrent). This code is appropriate when the provider has diagnosed suppurative otitis media of the left ear without specifying the chronicity or other details.

• Ensure the documentation clearly states "left ear" and "suppurative otitis media."
• If the laterality is not specified, use the unspecified laterality code for suppurative otitis media.
• Avoid using this code if more specific documentation (e.g., acute, chronic, recurrent) is available; instead, select the more precise code.