Is ICD-10-CM code H65 billable?

No, H65 (Nonsuppurative otitis media) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code H65 belong to?

H65 belongs to Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: H60–H95 (Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process).

H65Not billable, use a more specific code below

Nonsuppurative otitis media

In Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (H65-H75), chapter 8: Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process

44 billable codes under H65: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

nonsuppurative otitis media with myringitis

Use additional code: add a second code for this, listed after this one

code for any associated perforated tympanic membrane (H72.-)
code, if applicable, to identify:
exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22)
exposure to tobacco smoke in the perinatal period (P96.81)
history of tobacco dependence (Z87.891)
infectious agent (B95-B97)
occupational exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z57.31)
tobacco dependence (F17.-)
tobacco use (Z72.0)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 8 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.8 (page 49)

All codes under H65

H65 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

H65 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 44 billable codes under H65 group to MS-DRG 152 or 153 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to H65

Notes on these codes point to H65.

B97.4 Code First: otitis media (H65.-)
H72 Code First: any associated otitis media (H65.-, H66.1-, H66.2-, H66.3-, H66.4-, H66.9-, H67.-)
H73.0 Excludes1: acute myringitis with otitis media (H65, H66)
H73.1 Excludes1: chronic myringitis with otitis media (H65, H66)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.