Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere (H67) ICD-10-CM
The H67 code range covers otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere with 5 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 4 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Code First
Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.
Use Additional Code
The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.
- code for any associated perforated tympanic membrane H72
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
Codes in the H67 Range 5 codes · 4 billable
- H67 Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhereNon-billable
- H67.1 Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere, right ear
- H67.2 Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere, left ear
- H67.3 Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere, bilateral
- H67.9 Otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear
About the H67 Code Range
ICD-10 codes H67 through H67.9 are used for documenting cases of otitis media that occur as part of other underlying diseases. These codes specify the affected ear and the link to a primary condition classified elsewhere in medical records.
Otitis media commonly refers to middle ear inflammation or infection, but the ICD-10 code for otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere (H67) captures instances where this ear issue is secondary to another diagnosed disease. For example, H67.1 denotes right ear involvement, H67.2 indicates left ear, H67.3 covers both ears, and H67.9 is used when the affected ear isn’t specified. The last code also includes cases like "otitis media due to COVID-19" or viral ear infections. By using these codes, health professionals can accurately report otitis media’s role within broader disease processes, improving clarity in clinical documentation and billing.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the H67 range?
Of the 5 codes in this range, 4 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the H67 range classify?
The range classifies otitis media in diseases classified elsewhere. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
