Unspecified perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear

This code signifies a hole or tear in the eardrum of the right ear, where the specific cause or type of perforation is not documented. It indicates a breach in the tympanic membrane's integrity without further detail regarding its etiology (e.g., traumatic, infectious).

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a perforation of the right tympanic membrane but lacks information about the underlying cause, such as trauma, acute otitis media, or chronic infection. Documentation should specify "right ear" and "unspecified perforation."

• Avoid using this code if the cause of the perforation is known; instead, select a more specific code (e.g., H72.01, H72.11).
• Ensure laterality is clearly documented (right, left, bilateral) to avoid using unspecified laterality codes.
• If the perforation is due to a foreign body, code the foreign body first, then the perforation.