ICD-10 H65.3
Non-Billable HeaderChronic mucoid otitis media
About ICD-10-CM H65.3
ICD-10-CM code H65.3 represents Chronic mucoid otitis media. This is a non-billable header code in the Ear and Mastoid Process chapter (block H65). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM H65.3 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Inclusion Terms / Approximate Synonyms
Clinical terms and conditions classified under H65.3. Per CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular 2026.
- Chronic mucinous otitis media
- Chronic secretory otitis media
- Chronic transudative otitis media
- Glue ear
Type 1 Excludes
Pure excludes, these codes can never be coded together with H65.3. The conditions are mutually exclusive (e.g., congenital vs acquired forms).
- adhesive middle ear disease (H74.1)
Medicare LCD Coverage for H65.3
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list H65.3 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing H65.3.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but H65.3 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with H65.3
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To H65.3
Other codes in section H65-H75 (Diseases of middle ear and mastoid).
ICD-10 H65.3, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code H65.3 billable? +
No, H65.3 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block H65 when submitting claims.
What other names or terms map to H65.3? +
ICD-10 H65.3 includes: Chronic mucinous otitis media; Chronic secretory otitis media; Chronic transudative otitis media, and 1 more clinical synonyms.
What codes are Type 1 Excludes for H65.3? +
Type 1 Excludes (never code together with H65.3): adhesive middle ear disease (H74.1)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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