ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

H72Perforation of tympanic membrane

Not billable — use a more specific code

H72 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 5 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About H72

H72 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for perforation of tympanic membrane. It belongs to block H65-H75 (diseases of middle ear and mastoid) and chapter 8 (diseases of the ear and mastoid process). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 5 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: H72.0 (membrane), H72.1 (membrane), H72.2 (membrane), H72.8 (membrane) and H72.9 (membrane).

Don't report H72 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: acute suppurative otitis media with rupture of the tympanic membrane (H66.01-) and traumatic rupture of ear drum (S09.2-).

Code first: any associated otitis media (H65.-, H66.1-, H66.2-, H66.3-, H66.4-, H66.9-, H67.-).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under H72

Coding notes

IncludesFurther defines the content of the category

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

Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code

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

Code firstSequence the underlying condition first

any associated otitis media (H65.-, H66.1-, H66.2-, H66.3-, H66.4-, H66.9-, H67.-)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to H72.

Broader instructions also apply from Chapter 8: Diseases of the ear and mastoid process.

Codes whose notes reference H72

H65Use additional code
H66.1Use additional code
H66.2Use additional code
H66.3Use additional code
H66.4Use additional code
H66.9Use additional code
H67Use additional code
J10.83Use additional code
J11.83Use additional code

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about H72

Is H72 billable?: No. H72 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.