Otitis Media and URI without MCC: Inpatient Reimbursement Overview
DRG 153 includes inpatient encounters for otitis media and upper respiratory infection without Major Complication or Comorbidity, representing lower-severity ear and upper airway infections. This classification matters for inpatient reimbursement because it affects the bundled payment level from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and reflects the absence of higher-severity complicating conditions.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for drg 153 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 153 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
DRG 153 Overview
DRG 153 covers inpatient admissions for otitis media and upper respiratory infections without Major Complication or Comorbidity. This Diagnosis-Related Group captures relatively lower-severity infectious conditions of the ear and upper airway that do not trigger higher-severity payment adjustments. It matters for Medicare payment because cases classified here typically receive lower bundled reimbursement than similar diagnoses with complications or comorbid conditions. Accurate coding and documentation determine whether an admission is assigned to this Diagnosis-Related Group versus a higher-paying group.