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Mastering ICD-10 Codes for Ear Pain

Woman experiencing ear pain, ICD-10 Codes for Ear Pain.

Accurate ICD-10 medical coding is critical for healthcare providers and billers to avoid audits, ensure timely reimbursements, and maintain compliance. As an AAPC-certified coder with 12+ years of experience.

 I have streamlined the most up-to-date codes for ear pain (otalgia) using the 2025 ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines. Below, you’ll find actionable insights to simplify your workflow.

Why Accurate ICD-10 Coding Matters

Proper coding ensures timely reimbursements, reduces claim denials, and maintains compliance with CMS guidelines. Misusing codes like H92.01 (right ear pain) or H92.02 (left ear pain) can lead to audits or penalties.

Top ICD-10 Codes for Ear Pain (2025)

  • 01 (Right ear pain): Use for acute or unspecified right-sided otalgia. Example: Post-trauma or infection.
  • 02 (Left ear pain): Apply for left ear discomfort linked to TMJ disorders or infections.
  • 03 (Bilateral ear pain): Mandatory when both ears are affected (e.g., barotrauma from flying).
  • 09 (Unspecified ear pain): Default if laterality isn’t documented.
  • 89 (Ear pain in pregnancy): Pair with obstetric codes for pregnancy-related otalgia.
  • 90 (Otitis media, unspecified): Use with pain codes if infection is confirmed.
  • 8X9 (Referred otalgia): For pain originating outside the ear (e.g., dental issues).
  • R42 (Dizziness + ear pain): Code comorbidities like vertigo-linked otalgia.
  • For Chronic Pain: Add a 5th character to H92.01-H92.03 (e.g., 011 for chronic right ear pain).

Key Tips for Specific Cases

  • Pregnancy: Use O99.89 alongside obstetric codes.
  • Chronic Pain: Append a 5th character (e.g., H92.011 for chronic right ear pain).
  • Bilateral: Always specify H92.03 instead of unilateral codes.

How to Avoid Common Coding Errors

  • Don’t Guess: If laterality is undocumented, use H92.09.
  • Link Symptoms to Diagnoses: Pair H66.90 (ear infection) with pain codes if confirmed.
  • Update Annually: 2024 added clarifications for chronic pain coding.

Why Trust This Guide?

This guide is built on 12+ years of coding experience, alignment with 2025 CMS guidelines, and peer-reviewed best practices from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Whether you’re coding for unilateral pain (H92.01) or complex cases like pregnancy-related otalgia, this resource ensures audit-proof accuracy.

Need personalized help? Consult a certified medical coder or auditor for case-specific guidance.

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FAQs ICD-10 Ear Pain Coding

  • 1. What’s the code for ear pain during pregnancy?

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

  • 2. Can I code ear pain with tinnitus?

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

  • 3. How to code chronic bilateral ear pain?

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

  • 4. What is the ICD-10 code for unspecified ear pain?

    • CodeH92.09 (Otalgia, unspecified ear)
    • Notes:
      • Only use if the provider does not document laterality.
      • CMS may reject claims if laterality is missing without justification.
  • 5. What is the ICD-10 code for ear injury?

    • CodeS09.93- (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)
  • 6. What is the ICD-11 code for ear pain?

    • CodeME64.0 (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).
  • 7. What is the ICD-10 code for right ear pain?

    • CodeH92.01 (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).

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