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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.212

H70.212

Billable

Acute petrositis, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.212 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute petrositis, left 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, tinnitus, and vertigo, particularly when the left ear is involved. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, which can reveal bone erosion or fluid collections. Management typically involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or debride infected tissue. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as meningitis or cranial nerve damage.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other ear conditions like otitis media and mastoiditis.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging results.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding.
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to link diagnosis with appropriate imaging studies.
  • Misidentification of the ear involved.
  • Lack of clarity on treatment plans and outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of present illness, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with severe ear pain, fever, and hearing loss, often following a recent upper respiratory infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the side affected and any neurological symptoms to support the diagnosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating findings consistent with petrositis, including any abscess formation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies ordered for patients with suspected complications of otitis media.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should specify the findings related to the petrous bone and any adjacent structures.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.212 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for the use of H70
  • 212, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation and imaging results
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbid conditions that may affect treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.212 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 that the procedure is linked to 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 data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. It emphasizes the need for detailed documentation to support the diagnosis.

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, tinnitus, and vertigo. Patients may also exhibit neurological symptoms due to the proximity of the petrous bone to cranial nerves.