H66.90 - Otitis media, unspecified, unspecified ear

Clinical Definition

A sty (hordeolum) is a bacterial infection causing a painful red bump on the eyelid, usually starting at the base of an eyelash. The infection inflames an oil gland, creating a localized abscess.

Documentation Requirements

• Laterality must be specified:

  • Right eye

  • Left eye

  • Both eyes

• Stage of condition:

  • External hordeolum

  • Internal hordeolum

  • Unspecified

• Acuity:

  • Acute vs. chronic

  • Initial encounter vs. subsequent encounter

• Any associated complications

• Treatment plan documented

Common Synonyms

• Eye sty

• Eyelid bump

• Infected eyelash follicle

• Red bump on eyelid

• Pimple on eyelid

Coding Conflicts

Excludes2:

• Chalazion (H00.1-)

• Infected meibomian gland
  Note: Can be coded together but are distinct conditions

Scribing.io Automation

The AI scribe automatically identifies:

• Location descriptors ("upper/lower lid," "medial/lateral")

• Temporal references for acuity

• Treatment modalities mentioned

• Specific anatomical terms ("meibomian gland," "follicle")
  Key phrases like "red bump on eyelid" trigger the system to suggest hordeolum as a possible diagnosis for verification.