H65.9
Non-Billable

Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media?

ICD-10-CM H65.9 is the diagnosis code for Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media. This code falls under the section "Diseases of middle ear and mastoid" within Chapter 8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions

Coding Guidelines for H65.9

✅ This Code Includes

  • Allergic otitis media NOS
  • Catarrhal otitis media NOS
  • Exudative otitis media NOS
  • Mucoid otitis media NOS
  • Otitis media with effusion (nonpurulent) NOS
  • Secretory otitis media NOS
  • Seromucinous otitis media NOS
  • Serous otitis media NOS
  • Transudative otitis media NOS

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H65.9 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H65.90Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified earBillableH65.91Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, right earBillableH65.92Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, left earBillableH65.93Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, bilateralBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H65.9 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H65.9 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H65.9 mean?

H65.9 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H65.9?

The parent code of H65.9 is H65 ("Nonsuppurative otitis media"). H65.9 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H65.9 in?

H65.9 is located in Section H65-H75 — "Diseases of middle ear and mastoid" within Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H65.9?

H65.9 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H65.90, H65.91, H65.92, H65.93.

When should I use H65.9?

Use H65.9 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media?

The ICD-10-CM code for Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media is H65.9.

Can H65.9 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H65.9 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H65.9 in?

H65.9 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is H65.9 valid for 2026?

Yes, H65.9 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH65.499Other chronic nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified earNext →H65.90Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media, unspecified ear
Code Details
H65.9
Unspecified nonsuppurative otitis media
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
H65-H75 — Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
2026 ICD-10-CM