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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.211

H70.211

Billable

Acute petrositis, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.211 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute petrositis, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute petrositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the petrous part of the temporal bone, typically resulting from a complication of otitis media or mastoiditis. This condition is characterized by severe ear pain, fever, and potential neurological symptoms due to the proximity of the petrous bone to critical structures such as the inner ear and cranial nerves. Patients may present with unilateral hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus, particularly on the affected side. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, which can reveal bone erosion or inflammation. Management typically involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove necrotic tissue. The right ear designation in the code H70.211 specifies the affected side, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Specificity of the affected ear (right ear)
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other ear conditions
  • Need for imaging studies to confirm diagnosis
  • Management may involve multiple specialties (ENT, radiology)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging results
  • Misclassification of the ear affected
  • Lack of clear treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe ear pain, fever, and hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the affected ear and any surgical interventions performed.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports must clearly indicate findings related to petrositis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

CT or MRI scans performed to evaluate for complications of otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Radiology reports should correlate findings with clinical symptoms for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.211 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the condition, including the affected side
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and treatment plans in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.211 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with evaluation of ear pain.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear linkage between cerumen removal and the diagnosis of petrositis.

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 petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 petrositis?

Common symptoms include severe ear pain, fever, hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus, particularly on the affected side.

How is acute petrositis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and confirmed with imaging studies such as CT or MRI.

What is the treatment for acute petrositis?

Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address complications.