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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.002

H70.002

Billable

Acute mastoiditis without complications, left ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.002 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute mastoiditis without complications, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, typically resulting from an untreated or inadequately treated acute otitis media. It is characterized by the inflammation and infection of the mastoid air cells, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and swelling behind the ear. In cases of acute mastoiditis without complications, the infection is localized and does not extend beyond the mastoid process, which differentiates it from more severe forms that may involve intracranial complications. Clinically, patients may present with tenderness over the mastoid area, otorrhea, and hearing loss. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the disease. Management typically involves antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain infected material. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications, including chronic mastoiditis or hearing loss.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic mastoiditis
  • Identifying complications that may require different coding
  • Understanding the relationship between otitis media and mastoiditis
  • Documentation of clinical findings and imaging results

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the ear affected
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, fever, and swelling behind the ear.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all imaging studies and lab results are included in the documentation.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections, including previous treatments and responses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media leading to mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment and documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.002 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding infectious diseases
  • Ensure accurate documentation of the left ear involvement and the absence of complications
  • Use additional codes for any coexisting conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.002 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69420CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, simple

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for drainage.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the necessity of surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute mastoiditis, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track disease trends and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute mastoiditis, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track disease trends and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute mastoiditis, improving data accuracy and enhancing the ability to track disease trends and treatment outcomes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of acute mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ear, and drainage from the ear canal.

How is acute mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the infection.

What is the typical treatment for acute mastoiditis?

Treatment typically involves antibiotics, and surgical intervention may be necessary if there is an abscess or persistent infection.