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  5. Perforation of tympanic membrane (H72)

Perforation of tympanic membrane (H72)

The ICD-10 code section H72 is used to classify different types of tympanic membrane (eardrum) perforations. These codes specify the location, type, and laterality (right, left, or bilateral) of the perforation, which is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

This section includes codes for central perforations (H72.0 series), attic perforations (H72.1 series), other marginal perforations (H72.2 series), multiple perforations (H72.8 series), total perforations (H72.82 series), and unspecified perforations (H72.9 series). Commonly referred synonyms such as "tympanic membrane perforation," "central perforation of tympanic membrane," or "marginal perforation of tympanic membrane" help coders match clinical terminology to the correct codes. These codes help distinguish conditions like traumatic eardrum tears, chronic tubotympanic disease, and post-inflammatory perforations, and clarify which ear is affected, supporting precise medical documentation and communication.

For example, the ICD-10 code for central perforation of tympanic membrane includes options for specifying the right ear (H72.01), left ear (H72.02), or bilateral involvement (H72.03). Similarly, attic perforations may be coded with laterality and specific diagnostic implications, aiding in accurate identification of middle ear conditions. This coding granularity assists healthcare providers in charting the extent and nature of tympanic membrane injuries or disease.

  • Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60–H95)

    • Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (H65-H75)

        • Perforation of tympanic membrane (H72)

        • H72 Perforation of tympanic membrane
        • H72.0 Central perforation of tympanic membrane
        • H72.00 Central perforation of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
        • H72.01 Central perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear
        • H72.02 Central perforation of tympanic membrane, left ear
        • H72.03 Central perforation of tympanic membrane, bilateral
        • H72.1 Attic perforation of tympanic membrane
        • H72.10 Attic perforation of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
        • H72.11 Attic perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear
        • H72.12 Attic perforation of tympanic membrane, left ear
        • H72.13 Attic perforation of tympanic membrane, bilateral
        • H72.2 Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane
        • H72.2X Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane
        • H72.2X1 Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane, right ear
        • H72.2X2 Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane, left ear
        • H72.2X3 Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane, bilateral
        • H72.2X9 Other marginal perforations of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
        • H72.8 Other perforations of tympanic membrane
        • H72.81 Multiple perforations of tympanic membrane
        • H72.811 Multiple perforations of tympanic membrane, right ear
        • H72.812 Multiple perforations of tympanic membrane, left ear
        • H72.813 Multiple perforations of tympanic membrane, bilateral
        • H72.819 Multiple perforations of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
        • H72.82 Total perforations of tympanic membrane
        • H72.821 Total perforations of tympanic membrane, right ear
        • H72.822 Total perforations of tympanic membrane, left ear
        • H72.823 Total perforations of tympanic membrane, bilateral
        • H72.829 Total perforations of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
        • H72.9 Unspecified perforation of tympanic membrane
        • H72.90 Unspecified perforation of tympanic membrane, unspecified ear
        • H72.91 Unspecified perforation of tympanic membrane, right ear
        • H72.92 Unspecified perforation of tympanic membrane, left ear
        • H72.93 Unspecified perforation of tympanic membrane, bilateral

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • persistent post-traumatic perforation of ear drum
  • postinflammatory perforation of ear drum

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.

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.

  • acute suppurative otitis media with rupture of the tympanic membrane H66.01
  • traumatic rupture of ear drum S09.2