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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.2

H70.2

Billable

Petrositis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.2 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of petrositis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Petrositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the petrous part of the temporal bone, often associated with chronic otitis media or mastoiditis. It can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss, vertigo, and cranial nerve dysfunction. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and purulent ear discharge. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, which reveal bone erosion or inflammation in the petrous region. Management often involves antibiotic therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain infected material or remove necrotic tissue. The condition requires careful monitoring due to the risk of complications, including meningitis or brain abscess. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as petrositis can be a challenging diagnosis to manage due to its association with other ear diseases.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Overlap with other ear conditions like otitis media and mastoiditis
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging findings
  • Potential for complications requiring additional coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging studies that support the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of petrositis as a simpler ear condition
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or vertigo.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of the condition and any surgical interventions performed.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating the presence of inflammation or erosion in the petrous bone.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies ordered for patients with suspected petrositis or related complications.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should provide detailed descriptions of findings to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.2 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, petrositis is classified under diseases of the ear and mastoid process
  • Coders should ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.2 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not specifically involve the petrous bone

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy tube placement

Clinical Scenario

Used in patients with recurrent otitis media leading to petrositis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for tube placement and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the procedure is justified based on the patient's history.

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 petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and 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 petrositis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, hearing loss, and vertigo. Patients may also experience discharge from the ear and signs of systemic infection.