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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.20

H70.20

Billable

Unspecified petrositis

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.20 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified petrositis.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified petrositis refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the petrous part of the temporal bone, which houses critical structures of the ear, including the cochlea and vestibular apparatus. This condition is often a complication of otitis media or mastoiditis, leading to potential hearing loss, balance disorders, and other vestibular issues. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing impairment, dizziness, and fever. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like CT or MRI to visualize the extent of the inflammation and rule out other conditions. Management may include antibiotics, surgical intervention for drainage, or tympanostomy tubes if recurrent infections are present. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause or type of petrositis has not been determined, which can complicate treatment and management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Lack of specificity in the diagnosis can lead to misinterpretation.
  • Differentiating between petrositis and other ear-related conditions.
  • Potential overlap with other codes related to otitis and mastoiditis.
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation to support the unspecified diagnosis.
  • Inconsistent coding practices among different providers.
  • Failure to document the clinical rationale for the diagnosis.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation to confirm the diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, hearing loss, or balance issues.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the relationship between petrositis and any underlying conditions.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports detailing findings related to the petrous bone.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies performed for suspected petrositis or related complications.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.20 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H70
  • 20 should be used when the specific type of petrositis is not documented
  • Coders must ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and that other potential causes of ear
  • related symptoms are ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.20 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy, bilateral

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of recurrent otitis media leading to petrositis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the frequency of ear infections and the need for intervention.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the relationship between the procedure and the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear-related conditions, including petrositis. This has improved the ability to track and manage these conditions more effectively, although it has also introduced complexity in coding due to the need for specificity.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear-related conditions, including petrositis. This has improved the ability to track and manage these conditions more effectively, although it has also introduced complexity in coding due to the need for specificity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between H70.20 and H70.21?

H70.20 is used for unspecified petrositis, while H70.21 is for acute cases where the specific nature of the inflammation is documented.