Total perforations of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear

This code signifies a complete disruption or hole in the eardrum, affecting an unspecified ear. This condition can lead to conductive hearing loss, recurrent ear infections, and otorrhea.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a total perforation of the tympanic membrane, but the specific ear (left or right) is not specified. This is often used in initial assessments or when laterality is not yet definitively determined.

• Avoid using this code if the laterality (left or right ear) is documented; instead, choose the more specific code.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "total perforation" or a similar term indicating the entire eardrum is affected, not just a partial defect.
• Consider sequencing this code with codes for associated symptoms like hearing loss (H90.xx) or otorrhea (H92.1x) if present.