Mastering ICD-10 Codes for Ear Pain

Use O99.89 alongside trimester-specific obstetric codes (e.g., Z3A.00 for first trimester).

Yes. Use H93.1X9 (tinnitus) and H92.0-* for pain if both are documented.

H92.031 (chronic bilateral otalgia). Always confirm chronicity in patient records.

• Code: H92.09 (Otalgia, unspecified ear)
• Notes:
  • Only use if the provider does not document laterality.
  • CMS may reject claims if laterality is missing without justification.

• Code: S09.93- (Unspecified injury of ear, initial encounter)
• Notes:
  • Use S00.4- series for superficial injuries (e.g., abrasions).
  • For traumatic perforation, use S09.2-.
  • Always specify laterality (e.g., S09.931 for right ear injury)

• Code: ME64.0 (Otalgia)
• Notes:
  • ICD-11 requires additional qualifiers:
    • ME64.00 (Acute otalgia).
    • ME64.01 (Chronic otalgia).
  • Pair with causative codes (e.g., AB70 for otitis media).

• Code: H92.01 (Otalgia, right ear)
• Notes:
  • Use for non-infectious pain (e.g., TMJ disorders, trauma).
  • For infections, code the underlying condition (e.g., H66.90 for otitis media).