Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
This chapter covers ICD-10-CM codes in the range H60-H95 for diseases of the ear and mastoid process. Includes diseases of the ear and mastoid process such as otitis media, hearing loss, and vestibular disorders.
Chapter Overview
Key Statistics
- •Contains 5 categories and 23 total codes
- •Includes 16 billable codes and 7 non-billable codes
- •Chapter range: H60-H95
Clinical Relevance
Covers hearing loss, otitis, and vestibular disorders. Important for ENT practices, audiology, and balance disorder management.
Documentation Requirements
Requires laterality, hearing test results, and acute vs chronic status. Conductive vs sensorineural hearing loss distinction is critical.
Special Considerations
Hearing loss codes require type specification. External cause codes needed for noise-induced or traumatic hearing loss.
Categories in this Chapter
Chapter-Specific Coding Guidelines
General Guidelines for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process:
- Follow standard ICD-10-CM coding principles for diseases of the ear and mastoid process
- Document the most specific diagnosis supported by the medical record
- Use additional codes for manifestations, complications, or associated conditions
- Ensure proper sequencing based on the reason for the encounter
Documentation Requirements:
- •Specific condition or disease process
- •Acute versus chronic status when applicable
- •Severity or stage when documented
- •Associated symptoms or complications
- •Treatment response and current status
Sequencing Rules:
- Principal diagnosis should reflect the main reason for the encounter
- Sequence complications according to treatment focus
- Use appropriate combination codes when available
- Follow chapter-specific sequencing guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓For conditions classified in the H60-H95 range
- ✓When the condition is the primary focus of care
- ✓During active treatment or monitoring
- ✓For documented complications of the condition
When NOT to Use:
- ✗For personal history without current manifestations
- ✗During screening encounters without findings
- ✗For conditions better classified elsewhere
- ✗When condition is ruled out or suspected only
Special Considerations:
- ⚠Review chapter-specific coding guidelines
- ⚠Consider combination codes before multiple codes
- ⚠Document functional impact when relevant
- ⚠Use external cause codes when applicable
Version Updates
The 2025 ICD-10-CM updates include refinements to diseases of the ear and mastoid process coding for improved specificity and clinical relevance.
Recent Updates:
Enhanced Diseases of the ear and mastoid process Specificity
Updated codes within H60-H95 for improved clinical documentation
Impact: Better alignment with clinical practice and quality reporting
Implementation Guidance:
- •Review all diseases of the ear and mastoid process coding practices
- •Update documentation templates as needed
- •Train coding staff on any new requirements
- •Implement quality checks for accuracy
Upcoming Changes:
- →Potential enhancements to diseases of the ear and mastoid process codes in future updates
- →Continued alignment with clinical practice evolution
Related Resources
Key resources for diseases of the ear and mastoid process coding and clinical documentation.
Official Documentation:
Related Chapters:
Tools and References:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key considerations when coding diseases of the ear and mastoid process?
Focus on specific diagnosis documentation, proper sequencing, and use of additional codes for complications or manifestations related to diseases of the ear and mastoid process.
How do I determine the most appropriate code within this chapter?
Review the medical documentation for the most specific diagnosis, check for combination codes, and follow the ICD-10-CM guidelines for this chapter.
When should I use additional codes?
Use additional codes for manifestations, complications, external causes, or other conditions that affect patient care during the encounter.