Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere, bilateral

This code signifies inflammation of the middle ear in both ears, occurring as a manifestation or complication of another underlying systemic disease. It indicates that the otitis media is not a primary condition but rather secondary to a separate, classified illness.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly links bilateral otitis media to an underlying systemic disease, such as measles, influenza, or HIV. The medical record must clearly state the primary disease and that the otitis media is a complication or associated condition.

• Always sequence the underlying systemic disease first, followed by this code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement; otherwise, use a unilateral or unspecified code.
• Do not use this code for acute or chronic otitis media without an identified underlying systemic cause.