{"id":159173,"date":"2026-07-20T11:58:05","date_gmt":"2026-07-20T11:58:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/?p=159173"},"modified":"2026-08-17T11:45:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T11:45:21","slug":"icd-10-code-h9213","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/","title":{"rendered":"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\":\"MedicalWebPage\",\"headline\":\"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral\",\"description\":\"ICD-10 Code H92.13 covers otorrhea, bilateral (ear discharge from both ears). Learn billable status, documentation requirements, coding guidelines, and related codes.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h92-13\/\",\"audience\":{\"@type\":\"MedicalAudience\",\"audienceType\":\"Clinician\"},\"reviewedBy\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"name\":\"Dr Vanja Kitanova\",\"jobTitle\":\"Medical Reviewer\",\"affiliation\":{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\"},\"knowsAbout\":[\"Medical Coding\",\"Clinical Documentation\",\"Healthcare Billing\",\"Clinical Safety\"],\"sameAs\":\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/blog\/author\/vanja\/\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-20\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-07-20\"}<\/script>\n\n\n        <div id=\"key_takeaways\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Key-Takeaways-Icon.svg\" alt=\"Key Takeaways\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"list\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the billable, laterality-specific code for otorrhea (ear discharge) affecting both ears simultaneously.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>H92.13 became effective October 1, 2025 under the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition. It requires explicit bilateral documentation to support claim submission.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Using H92.10 (unspecified) when documentation clearly confirms bilateral involvement is a coding specificity error that may trigger payer documentation requests.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#3D3D46\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p>Pabau&rsquo;s claims management software supports accurate ICD-10 code selection and documentation workflows, helping practices reduce billing errors on ear-related diagnoses.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the billable, laterality-specific code for otorrhea, bilateral: ear discharge affecting both ears at once. It applies whenever a clinician\u2019s note confirms both ears are involved, replacing the unspecified default, H92.10, that many practices default to out of habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This reference covers the code&rsquo;s clinical definition, billable status, the full H92 sibling structure, documentation requirements, coding guidelines for laterality selection, associated CPT codes, and how H92.13 differs from related ear discharge diagnoses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"ICD-10 Revisions: Stay Updated or Fall Behind\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bqAyb-BCA0w?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-icd-10-code-h92-13-definition-and-billable-status\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">ICD-10 Code H92.13: Definition and billable status<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10 Code H92.13 is a billable, laterality-specific code representing otorrhea (ear discharge) affecting both ears. It sits within the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition, which became effective <strong>October 1, 2025<\/strong>, and is valid for use in claims submitted for dates of service on or after that date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The code is classified under category H92 (Otalgia and effusion of ear) within chapter H60-H95 (Diseases of the ear and mastoid process). As a billable\/specific code, H92.13 can be used directly on claims without requiring a more specific sub-code. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/icd10cmtool.cdc.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">CDC\/NCHS ICD-10-CM web tool<\/a>, H92.13 is listed as fully valid for FY 2026 reimbursement purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-h92-13-code-details-at-a-glance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">H92.13 code details at a glance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Field<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Value<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Code<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92.13<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Short description<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, bilateral<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Long description<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, bilateral (discharge from both ears)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Billable\/specific<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Effective date<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">October 1, 2025 (FY 2026 edition)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Chapter<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H60-H95 (Diseases of the ear and mastoid process)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Category<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92 (Otalgia and effusion of ear)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">ICD-10-CM version<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">American ICD-10-CM (US-specific)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-clinical-definition-what-is-otorrhea\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clinical definition: What is otorrhea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Otorrhea is the medical term for discharge or drainage from the ear canal. The discharge may be serous (watery), mucoid, purulent (containing pus), or hemorrhagic, depending on the underlying cause. <strong>Bilateral otorrhea<\/strong> means both ears are producing discharge at the time of clinical assessment, which is the specific presentation coded by H92.13.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Approximate synonyms used in clinical documentation that map to this code include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bilateral ear drainage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Discharge from both ears<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bilateral aural discharge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bilateral otorrhea NOS (not otherwise specified)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ear drainage, bilateral<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Otorrhea is a symptom code, not a causal diagnosis. Coders should assign H92.13 to capture the presenting sign. An underlying cause, such as chronic otitis media or cholesteatoma, is typically coded separately and sequenced per the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cms.gov\/medicare\/coding-billing\/icd-10-codes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/industry\/gp-software\/\">GP practice platform<\/a> keeps recurring ear infections and vision changes visible across a patient&rsquo;s timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-h92-13-within-the-h92-code-category\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">H92.13 within the H92 code category<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H92 covers both otalgia (ear pain) and otorrhea (ear discharge). The H92.1x sub-category isolates otorrhea and uses a fourth character to specify laterality. Understanding the full sibling structure prevents laterality miscoding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Laterality<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Billable<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.10<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, unspecified ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unspecified<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.11<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, right ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Right<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.12<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, left ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Left<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.13<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, bilateral<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bilateral<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H92.10 is the fallback when the clinician&rsquo;s note does not specify which ear or ears are affected. Once laterality is documented, H92.10 is no longer appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-causes-and-clinical-scenarios-for-bilateral-otorrhea\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common causes and clinical scenarios for bilateral otorrhea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The underlying etiology is not embedded in H92.13 itself. Clinicians encounter bilateral ear discharge across several distinct presentations, and the causal code should accompany H92.13 on the claim when documented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Chronic otitis media:<\/strong> Persistent middle ear infection with a perforated tympanic membrane, commonly producing mucopurulent bilateral discharge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Otitis externa (bilateral):<\/strong> Infection of the outer ear canal, with discharge that is typically purulent and associated with canal swelling and pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Post-tympanostomy tube drainage:<\/strong> Drainage through patent pressure-equalization tubes, usually serous or mucoid in character<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Perforated tympanic membrane (bilateral):<\/strong> Trauma or chronic infection-related rupture, with discharge that may be bloody or purulent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cholesteatoma:<\/strong> Abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that produces foul-smelling discharge, often unilateral but occasionally bilateral<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Autoimmune or systemic conditions:<\/strong> Certain inflammatory conditions, such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, can produce bilateral ear discharge<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of these carries its own ICD-10-CM code. H92.13 captures the presenting symptom, while the underlying condition is sequenced per principal\/secondary diagnosis rules in the relevant clinical setting. Practices using claims management software can map both codes simultaneously at the point of documentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/automate-claims-through-healthcode.webp\" alt=\"Automate claims and billing with Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Automate claims and billing with Pabau<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-documentation-requirements-for-h92-13\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Documentation requirements for H92.13<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Billing bilateral otorrhea without clear bilateral confirmation in the medical record is a documentation deficiency. Payers may request records or deny claims when laterality is asserted in the code but not supported in the note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A complete documentation record supporting H92.13 should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bilateral laterality explicitly stated:<\/strong> The note must say \u00ab\u00a0both ears,\u00a0\u00bb \u00ab\u00a0bilateral,\u00a0\u00bb or document findings in the right AND left ear separately<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Character of discharge described:<\/strong> Serous, mucoid, purulent, or hemorrhagic, which helps support medical necessity and guide associated CPT selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Duration and onset:<\/strong> Acute vs. chronic presentation, relevant for sequencing and evaluation code selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Associated symptoms if present:<\/strong> Otalgia, hearing loss, fever, or vertigo documented alongside otorrhea strengthens the clinical picture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clinician attestation:<\/strong> The treating provider must document the diagnosis. Coder-derived laterality assumptions are not acceptable without clinical support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Underlying cause if known:<\/strong> If a causal diagnosis is established, it should appear in the record and be coded per sequencing rules<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using digital forms for structured clinical intake can prompt providers to document laterality and discharge character at the point of care, reducing the need for retrospective amendments. Accurate documentation is also central to HIPAA-compliant record-keeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/customizable-consent-and-intake-forms.webp\" alt=\"Customizable consent and intake forms\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Customizable consent and intake forms<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>Run a periodic audit of H92.10 claims in your practice. Any encounter where the clinical note documents bilateral discharge but the coder submitted H92.10 (unspecified) is a specificity error. Correcting these retroactively for re-submission, where payer rules allow, improves coding quality scores and reduces future documentation queries.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-coding-guidelines-when-to-use-icd-10-code-h92-13\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coding guidelines: When to use ICD-10 Code H92.13<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require coders to use the most specific code supported by the documentation. For otorrhea, that means selecting the correct laterality sub-code rather than defaulting to H92.10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Scenario<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Correct code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Rationale<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Note says \u00ab\u00a0bilateral ear discharge\u00a0\u00bb<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92.13<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bilateral laterality explicitly documented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Note documents findings in right AND left ear separately<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92.13<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Both ears described; bilateral code supported<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Note says \u00ab\u00a0ear discharge\u00a0\u00bb with no laterality specified<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92.10<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">No laterality in record; unspecified is appropriate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Discharge from right ear only<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92.11<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unilateral right; bilateral code would be incorrect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">Discharge from left ear only<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">H92.12<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unilateral left; bilateral code would be incorrect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">H92.13 may be used as either a primary or secondary diagnosis. When otorrhea is the reason for the visit, it sequences as principal. When documented as a secondary finding alongside a principal diagnosis, such as chronic suppurative otitis media, it sequences accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coders referencing the full code set can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aapc.com\/codes\/icd-10-codes-range\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">AAPC ICD-10-CM code lookup<\/a> to verify the current descriptor and any applicable coding notes.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"book_a_demo\">\n            <div class=\"left-side\">\n                <div class=\"logo\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\"\n                        src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Logo.svg\"\n                        alt=\"Logo\"\n                        loading=\"lazy\"\n                    \/>\n                <\/div>\n\n                <h3 class=\"heading\">\n                    Streamline ICD-10 coding and billing in your practice                <\/h3>\n\n                <p class=\"description\">\n                    Pabau helps practices document diagnoses accurately, match ICD-10 codes, and submit clean claims the first time. See how it works for ear, nose, and throat or general practice workflows.                <\/p>\n\n                <div class=\"button-group\">\n                    <a href=\"\/book-demo\/\" class=\"btn btn-scale-effect btn-cta-color btn-md\">\n                        <span class=\"btn-text\">Book a demo<\/span>\n                        <div class=\"btn-icon btn-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                            <svg\n                                width=\"14\"\n                                height=\"12\"\n                                viewBox=\"0 0 14 12\"\n                                fill=\"none\"\n                                xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\n                            >\n                                <path\n                                    d=\"M0.75 4.77295C0.335786 4.77295 0 5.10874 0 5.52295C0 5.93716 0.335786 6.27295 0.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295ZM13.2803 6.05328C13.5732 5.76039 13.5732 5.28551 13.2803 4.99262L8.50736 0.219648C8.21447 -0.073245 7.73959 -0.073245 7.4467 0.219648C7.15381 0.512542 7.15381 0.987415 7.4467 1.28031L11.6893 5.52295L7.4467 9.76559C7.15381 10.0585 7.15381 10.5334 7.4467 10.8263C7.73959 11.1191 8.21447 11.1191 8.50736 10.8263L13.2803 6.05328ZM0.75 5.52295V6.27295L12.75 6.27295V5.52295V4.77295L0.75 4.77295V5.52295Z\"\n                                    fill=\"currentColor\"\n                                ><\/path>\n                            <\/svg>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n\n            <div class=\"right-side\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\"\n                    src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Home-Page-Concept-4.webp\"\n                    alt=\"Pabau practice management software for ICD-10 coding workflows\"\n                    loading=\"lazy\"\n                \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-associated-cpt-codes-for-billing-h92-13\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Associated CPT codes for billing H92.13<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">ICD-10 Code H92.13 is a diagnosis code. It pairs with CPT procedure codes that describe what the clinician did during the encounter, and the codes below are commonly associated with bilateral otorrhea presentations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Payer coverage and prior authorization requirements vary, so verify against individual payer policies before assuming reimbursement. Associated hearing loss, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h903\/\">H90.3<\/a>, often accompanies these procedure codes when audiologic assessment is documented alongside the discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">CPT Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Typical use with H92.13<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">99213<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Office\/outpatient visit, established patient, low complexity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Evaluation of bilateral ear discharge; most common E\/M level for this presentation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">99214<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Office\/outpatient visit, established patient, moderate complexity<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">When bilateral otorrhea is evaluated alongside complex underlying conditions requiring multiple data review or treatment decisions<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">69210<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Removal impacted cerumen requiring instrumentation, unilateral<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">When cerumen removal precedes or accompanies assessment of ear discharge, confirming or ruling out an obstructive component. Bilateral removal requires modifier 50 for non-Medicare payers, or is billed as one unit with no modifier under Medicare rules.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">69000<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Drainage of external ear abscess or hematoma, simple<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">When bilateral otitis externa with abscess requires drainage procedure alongside H92.13 documentation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">69421<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Myringotomy including aspiration and\/or eustachian tube inflation requiring general anesthesia<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Bilateral myringotomy for persistent effusion with otorrhea in pediatric patients requiring anesthesia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">92552<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Pure tone audiometry; air only<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Audiologic assessment when bilateral discharge is associated with reported hearing change<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These pairings are commonly associated, not mandated. Coverage depends on medical necessity documentation and payer-specific policies. The client record must support both the diagnosis and clinical documentation for the procedure billed in the same encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.pabau.com\/cdn\/attachments\/pulse\/content-engine\/diagnostic_codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/detailed-client-records-in-pabau.webp\" alt=\"Detailed client records in Pabau\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Detailed client records in Pabau<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-h92-13-vs-related-ear-discharge-codes-key-differences\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">H92.13 vs related ear discharge codes: Key differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Coding errors in the H92 family usually fall into two categories: using an unspecified code when laterality is documented, or confusing a symptom code with a causal diagnosis code. The comparison below clarifies when H92.13 applies versus adjacent codes. The WHO maintains the <a href=\"https:\/\/icd.who.int\/browse10\/2019\/en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">international ICD-10 classification browser<\/a> with the hierarchical code structure underpinning these distinctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<table style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:separate;border-spacing:0;border-radius:12px;overflow:hidden;font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:1.5em 0 2em;box-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.08)\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Code<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Description<\/th>\n<th style=\"background:#121D36;color:#fff;padding:14px 16px;text-align:left;font-weight:600;font-size:14px;letter-spacing:0.3px;border-bottom:2px solid #2BADD4\">Key distinction from H92.13<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.10<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, unspecified ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Use only when laterality is NOT documented; H92.13 required when bilateral is stated<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.11<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, right ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unilateral right; do not use for bilateral presentations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H92.12<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Otorrhea, left ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Unilateral left; do not use for bilateral presentations<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H65.20<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Chronic serous otitis media, unspecified ear<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Causal diagnosis; codes the underlying middle ear disease, not the discharge symptom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H66.3x<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Other chronic suppurative otitis media<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Causal code for chronic infection; H92.13 may be assigned additionally to capture the discharge symptom<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #E8ECF0;background:#F9FAFB\">\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;font-weight:600;color:#121D36\">H60.3&#215;1<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Diffuse otitis externa, right ear (example)<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding:12px 16px;color:#374151\">Codes the infectious cause of external canal discharge; H92.13 codes the discharge sign separately if documented<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n        <div id=\"pro_tip\">\n            <div class=\"img\">\n                <svg width=\"42\" height=\"42\" viewBox=\"0 0 42 42\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M12.6383 19.5238C12.6632 21.2071 12.8734 22.9926 12.0685 24.5523C11.0341 26.8917 8.45076 28.169 7.56292 30.5918C6.63082 33.1061 7.19505 36.185 9.31371 37.9786C10.929 39.5678 13.4183 39.9873 15.6061 39.5463C17.4592 39.073 19.1049 37.8388 19.9706 36.1608C20.781 34.7141 20.7866 32.9904 20.5293 31.3985C20.1006 29.3092 18.3775 27.8705 16.9807 26.362C14.8814 24.1005 14.6684 20.6854 15.595 17.8915C16.4331 15.4768 19.0026 14.2344 20.0425 11.9461C20.7202 10.6769 20.7506 9.20327 20.6068 7.81304C20.1864 5.40098 18.3139 3.23631 15.8716 2.56674C13.9742 2.03969 11.8224 2.30052 10.1739 3.37614C8.70522 4.34688 7.5878 5.86618 7.28356 7.58178C6.76081 9.82981 7.53525 12.2822 9.20307 13.9118C10.7658 15.4741 12.4806 17.2273 12.6383 19.5238Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                    <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\"\n                        d=\"M22.7048 19.8387C22.6822 22.3279 24.4507 24.6234 26.7493 25.4682C28.0531 25.961 29.4725 25.9183 30.7989 25.5487C32.0575 24.9955 33.301 24.2237 34.0069 23.0092C34.8384 21.5811 35.2982 19.8286 34.7832 18.2094C34.3611 16.2507 32.8739 14.6541 31.0275 13.9426C28.6736 12.9595 25.8073 13.7942 24.1719 15.7001C23.2022 16.8366 22.6143 18.3326 22.7048 19.8387Z\"\n                        fill=\"#2BADD4\" \/>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                <h3>Pro Tip<\/h3>\n                <p>When a patient presents with bilateral ear discharge and a known underlying cause such as chronic suppurative otitis media, code both the causal diagnosis (e.g. H66.3&#215;3 for bilateral) AND H92.13 to capture the full clinical picture. Payers evaluating medical necessity benefit from seeing the symptom code alongside the etiology, especially for procedure justification.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related ICD-10 codes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h5030\/\">ICD-10 Code H50.30 \u2014 Unspecified intermittent heterotropia<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h509\/\">ICD-10 Code H50.9 \u2014 Unspecified strabismus<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h510\/\">ICD-10 Code H51.0 \u2014 Palsy (spasm) of conjugate gaze<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-how-pabau-supports-accurate-icd-10-coding-and-billing-workflows\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Pabau supports accurate ICD-10 coding and billing workflows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laterality errors in ear discharge coding are largely a documentation workflow problem. When clinicians record findings without a structured prompt for laterality, coders are left with ambiguous notes and default to H92.10. Practices that address documentation at the point of care submit fewer unspecified-code claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pabau&rsquo;s claims management software integrates ICD-10 code search directly within the clinical workflow, so the treating provider or billing team can assign H92.13 at the point of documentation rather than retrospectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices managing ENT or general practice patient records can also use Pabau&rsquo;s client record to maintain longitudinal ear health histories. This makes it straightforward to identify recurring bilateral discharge presentations and code them consistently across encounters. Whether it&rsquo;s an ENT group or a broader wellness practice, consistent coding standards across multiple locations reduce variance that can trigger payer audits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>ICD-10 code search at point of care:<\/strong> Reduces laterality defaulting to unspecified codes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structured clinical notes:<\/strong> Prompts for bilateral vs unilateral documentation during the encounter<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Claims management integration:<\/strong> Pairs ICD-10 diagnosis codes with associated CPT procedure codes before submission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Audit-ready records:<\/strong> Maintains documentation trails that support payer requests for medical necessity review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practices interested in how structured medical forms close documentation shortfalls can explore how intake and assessment form design reinforces laterality capture as a standard clinical habit. The workflow integration between clinical notes and billing is what shapes coding accuracy in practice management software more broadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bilateral otorrhea is a specific, documentable diagnosis that carries its own dedicated code. The most common error is billing H92.10 (unspecified) when the note already confirms both ears are involved, which reduces coding specificity and can slow reimbursement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When documentation supports bilateral involvement, ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the correct, billable choice. Pabau&rsquo;s claims management software supports practices in matching diagnosis codes to procedures accurately at the point of documentation. To see how Pabau handles ICD-10 coding and billing workflows in a live practice setting, <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/book-demo\/\">book a demo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n        <div id=\"expert_picks\">\n            <div class=\"header\">\n                                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Expert-Picks.svg\" alt=\"Continue your research\" height=\"42\" width=\"42\">\n                                <h3>Continue your research<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"content\">\n                                                            <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Want to see documentation specificity play out in another specialty?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-m1488\/\">M14.88<\/a> covers vertebral arthropathy tied to a systemic disease, where omitting the underlying condition creates the same coding problem as defaulting to unspecified otorrhea.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Think every denial traces back to documentation?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/hcpcs-code-a4673\/\">A4673<\/a> is usually denied for a billing-party reason instead: the cost is already bundled into a separate payment structure.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Need a refresher on CPT and ICD-10 pairing accuracy?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/procedure-codes\/cpt-code-01958\/\">01958<\/a> walks through how anesthesia claims get denied when adjacent procedure codes are selected incorrectly.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                <div class=\"item\">\n                            <div>\n                                <svg width=\"20\" height=\"27\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 27\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                                    <path\n                                        d=\"M18.6223 14.3857C19.1246 13.8975 19.1246 13.1045 18.6223 12.6162L12.1938 6.36621C11.6915 5.87793 10.8759 5.87793 10.3737 6.36621C9.87143 6.85449 9.87143 7.64746 10.3737 8.13574L14.6125 12.2529H2.28571C1.57455 12.2529 1 12.8115 1 13.5029C1 14.1943 1.57455 14.7529 2.28571 14.7529H14.6085L10.3777 18.8701C9.87545 19.3584 9.87545 20.1514 10.3777 20.6396C10.8799 21.1279 11.6955 21.1279 12.1978 20.6396L18.6263 14.3896L18.6223 14.3857Z\"\n                                        fill=\"#54B2D3\" \/>\n                                <\/svg>\n                            <\/div>\n                            <p><strong>Looking for another symptom-driven billable code?<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-i5a\/\">I5A<\/a> covers non-ischemic myocardial injury, a diagnosis code that, like H92.13, captures a clinical finding rather than its root cause.<\/p>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    \n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784539320811\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is ICD-10 Code H92.13?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for otorrhea, bilateral, meaning discharge or drainage from both ears. It is a laterality-specific code within the H92 category (Otalgia and effusion of ear) and became effective October 1, 2025 under the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition. Use it when the clinical record explicitly documents bilateral ear discharge.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784539320812\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is H92.13 a billable ICD-10 code?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, H92.13 is a fully billable and specific ICD-10-CM code valid for claim submission. It does not require a more specific sub-code and can be used as either a primary or secondary diagnosis depending on the clinical context and sequencing rules.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784539320813\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the difference between H92.10, H92.11, and H92.13?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">H92.10 is for otorrhea when laterality is unspecified in the record. H92.11 is for right ear otorrhea only. H92.13 is for bilateral otorrhea (both ears). When a clinician documents bilateral ear discharge, H92.13 is the required code. Using H92.10 when bilateral laterality is documented is a coding specificity error.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784539320814\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What documentation is required to support an H92.13 diagnosis?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The medical record must explicitly state bilateral involvement, either using the word \u00ab\u00a0bilateral\u00a0\u00bb or documenting ear findings for both right and left ears separately. The character of discharge, duration, and any associated symptoms should also be documented. Coder-inferred laterality without clinician attestation is not sufficient to support H92.13.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784539320815\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are common causes of bilateral ear discharge?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Common causes include chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation, bilateral otitis externa, post-tympanostomy tube drainage, cholesteatoma, and autoimmune conditions affecting the ear. Each underlying cause carries its own ICD-10-CM code that should be assigned alongside H92.13 when documented.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784539320816\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">When should H92.13 be used instead of H92.10?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Use H92.13 whenever the clinical record documents that both ears are affected. H92.10 is only appropriate when laterality is absent from the documentation. ICD-10-CM guidelines require the most specific code supported by the record, so defaulting to H92.10 when bilateral is documented is a specificity error that may invite payer documentation requests.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the billable, laterality-specific code for otorrhea, bilateral: ear discharge affecting both ears at once. It applies whenever a clinician\u2019s note confirms both ears are involved, replacing the unspecified default, H92.10, that many practices default to out of habit. This reference covers the code&rsquo;s clinical definition, billable status, the full H92 sibling [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":77,"featured_media":159172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":"88","_yoast_wpseo_content_score":"60","_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"[\"\",\"\",\"\",\"\"]","_yoast_wpseo_focuskw_text_input":"","_seo_original_html":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1549,1550],"tags":[1680,1363],"class_list":["post-159173","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diagnostic-codes","category-icd-10-cm","tag-diagnostic-codes","tag-icd-10"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.2 (Yoast SEO v28.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"fr_FR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Pabau\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-20T11:58:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-17T11:45:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Katy Piper\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pabaucrm\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"\u00c9crit par\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Katy Piper\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Katy Piper\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5de22f4ff3ec59b1925ef02dce956d7d\"},\"headline\":\"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-20T11:58:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T11:45:21+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2191,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp\",\"keywords\":[\"Diagnostic codes\",\"ICD-10\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Diagnostic Codes\",\"ICD-10-CM\"],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/\",\"name\":\"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-07-20T11:58:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-17T11:45:21+00:00\",\"description\":\"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.\",\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320811\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320812\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320813\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320814\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320815\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320816\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/07\\\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":630},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/\",\"name\":\"Pabau\",\"description\":\"Clinic Software for your Business | Go Paperless Today\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Pabau\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/05\\\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png\",\"width\":736,\"height\":195,\"caption\":\"Pabau\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Pabau\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/pabaucrm\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.linkedin.com\\\/company\\\/pabau-ltd\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/pabausoftware\\\/\"],\"description\":\"Pabau is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software platform designed for clinics, medspas, therapists, and medical professionals. It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.\",\"foundingDate\":\"2011-10-20\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"201\",\"maxValue\":\"500\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/5de22f4ff3ec59b1925ef02dce956d7d\",\"name\":\"Katy Piper\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/cropped-Snip20260306_177-96x96.png\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/cropped-Snip20260306_177-96x96.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/03\\\/cropped-Snip20260306_177-96x96.png\",\"caption\":\"Katy Piper\"},\"description\":\"Katy Piper is a content writer covering aesthetics, dermatology, and clinic operations, with a knack for making clinical detail feel approachable. Outside of work, she's usually chasing her border collie around muddy fields or hunting down the best flat white in town.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/blog\\\/author\\\/katy-piper\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320811\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320811\",\"name\":\"What is ICD-10 Code H92.13?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for otorrhea, bilateral, meaning discharge or drainage from both ears. It is a laterality-specific code within the H92 category (Otalgia and effusion of ear) and became effective October 1, 2025 under the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition. Use it when the clinical record explicitly documents bilateral ear discharge.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320812\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320812\",\"name\":\"Is H92.13 a billable ICD-10 code?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, H92.13 is a fully billable and specific ICD-10-CM code valid for claim submission. It does not require a more specific sub-code and can be used as either a primary or secondary diagnosis depending on the clinical context and sequencing rules.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320813\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320813\",\"name\":\"What is the difference between H92.10, H92.11, and H92.13?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"H92.10 is for otorrhea when laterality is unspecified in the record. H92.11 is for right ear otorrhea only. H92.13 is for bilateral otorrhea (both ears). When a clinician documents bilateral ear discharge, H92.13 is the required code. Using H92.10 when bilateral laterality is documented is a coding specificity error.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320814\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320814\",\"name\":\"What documentation is required to support an H92.13 diagnosis?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The medical record must explicitly state bilateral involvement, either using the word \\\"bilateral\\\" or documenting ear findings for both right and left ears separately. The character of discharge, duration, and any associated symptoms should also be documented. Coder-inferred laterality without clinician attestation is not sufficient to support H92.13.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320815\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320815\",\"name\":\"What are common causes of bilateral ear discharge?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Common causes include chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation, bilateral otitis externa, post-tympanostomy tube drainage, cholesteatoma, and autoimmune conditions affecting the ear. Each underlying cause carries its own ICD-10-CM code that should be assigned alongside H92.13 when documented.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320816\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/pabau.com\\\/fr\\\/diagnostic-codes\\\/icd-10-code-h9213\\\/#faq-question-1784539320816\",\"name\":\"When should H92.13 be used instead of H92.10?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Use H92.13 whenever the clinical record documents that both ears are affected. H92.10 is only appropriate when laterality is absent from the documentation. ICD-10-CM guidelines require the most specific code supported by the record, so defaulting to H92.10 when bilateral is documented is a specificity error that may invite payer documentation requests.\",\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"},\"inLanguage\":\"fr-FR\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral","description":"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/","og_locale":"fr_FR","og_type":"article","og_title":"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral","og_description":"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.","og_url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/","og_site_name":"Pabau","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/","article_published_time":"2026-07-20T11:58:05+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-08-17T11:45:21+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":630,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Katy Piper","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@pabaucrm","twitter_site":"@pabaucrm","twitter_misc":{"\u00c9crit par":"Katy Piper","Dur\u00e9e de lecture estim\u00e9e":"11 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/"},"author":{"name":"Katy Piper","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/5de22f4ff3ec59b1925ef02dce956d7d"},"headline":"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral","datePublished":"2026-07-20T11:58:05+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-17T11:45:21+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/"},"wordCount":2191,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp","keywords":["Diagnostic codes","ICD-10"],"articleSection":["Diagnostic Codes","ICD-10-CM"],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/","name":"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp","datePublished":"2026-07-20T11:58:05+00:00","dateModified":"2026-08-17T11:45:21+00:00","description":"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.","mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320811"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320812"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320813"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320814"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320815"},{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320816"}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/icd-10-code-h9213.webp","width":1200,"height":630},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#website","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/","name":"Pabau","description":"Clinic Software for your Business | Go Paperless Today","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#organization","name":"Pabau","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Logo-4-e1654525062364.png","width":736,"height":195,"caption":"Pabau"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Pabau\/","https:\/\/x.com\/pabaucrm","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/pabau-ltd\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/pabausoftware\/"],"description":"Pabau is an all-in-one healthcare practice management software platform designed for clinics, medspas, therapists, and medical professionals. It combines scheduling, electronic health records, clinical forms, payments, marketing automation, reporting, and patient engagement tools into one secure cloud system to help practices streamline operations and grow their business.","foundingDate":"2011-10-20","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"201","maxValue":"500"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/#\/schema\/person\/5de22f4ff3ec59b1925ef02dce956d7d","name":"Katy Piper","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"fr-FR","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cropped-Snip20260306_177-96x96.png","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cropped-Snip20260306_177-96x96.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/cropped-Snip20260306_177-96x96.png","caption":"Katy Piper"},"description":"Katy Piper is a content writer covering aesthetics, dermatology, and clinic operations, with a knack for making clinical detail feel approachable. Outside of work, she's usually chasing her border collie around muddy fields or hunting down the best flat white in town.","url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/blog\/author\/katy-piper\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320811","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320811","name":"What is ICD-10 Code H92.13?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"ICD-10 Code H92.13 is the billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for otorrhea, bilateral, meaning discharge or drainage from both ears. It is a laterality-specific code within the H92 category (Otalgia and effusion of ear) and became effective October 1, 2025 under the 2026 ICD-10-CM edition. Use it when the clinical record explicitly documents bilateral ear discharge.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320812","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320812","name":"Is H92.13 a billable ICD-10 code?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, H92.13 is a fully billable and specific ICD-10-CM code valid for claim submission. It does not require a more specific sub-code and can be used as either a primary or secondary diagnosis depending on the clinical context and sequencing rules.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320813","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320813","name":"What is the difference between H92.10, H92.11, and H92.13?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"H92.10 is for otorrhea when laterality is unspecified in the record. H92.11 is for right ear otorrhea only. H92.13 is for bilateral otorrhea (both ears). When a clinician documents bilateral ear discharge, H92.13 is the required code. Using H92.10 when bilateral laterality is documented is a coding specificity error.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320814","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320814","name":"What documentation is required to support an H92.13 diagnosis?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The medical record must explicitly state bilateral involvement, either using the word \"bilateral\" or documenting ear findings for both right and left ears separately. The character of discharge, duration, and any associated symptoms should also be documented. Coder-inferred laterality without clinician attestation is not sufficient to support H92.13.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320815","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320815","name":"What are common causes of bilateral ear discharge?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Common causes include chronic otitis media with tympanic membrane perforation, bilateral otitis externa, post-tympanostomy tube drainage, cholesteatoma, and autoimmune conditions affecting the ear. Each underlying cause carries its own ICD-10-CM code that should be assigned alongside H92.13 when documented.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320816","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/diagnostic-codes\/icd-10-code-h9213\/#faq-question-1784539320816","name":"When should H92.13 be used instead of H92.10?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Use H92.13 whenever the clinical record documents that both ears are affected. H92.10 is only appropriate when laterality is absent from the documentation. ICD-10-CM guidelines require the most specific code supported by the record, so defaulting to H92.10 when bilateral is documented is a specificity error that may invite payer documentation requests.","inLanguage":"fr-FR"},"inLanguage":"fr-FR"}]}},"yoast":{"focus_keyword":"ICD-10 Code H92.13","seo_title":"ICD-10 Code H92.13: Otorrhea, bilateral","meta_description":"H92.13 is the billable ICD-10 code for bilateral otorrhea (ear discharge, both ears). See documentation rules and CPT pairs.","content_score":"60","is_cornerstone":"","related_keyphrases":[{"keyword":"ear drainage icd 10","score":61},{"keyword":"bilateral ear discharge diagnosis code","score":56},{"keyword":"H92 otalgia icd 10","score":61}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159173","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/77"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=159173"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159173\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":182004,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/159173\/revisions\/182004"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/159172"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=159173"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=159173"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pabau.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=159173"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}