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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.213

H70.213

Billable

Acute petrositis, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.213 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute petrositis, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute petrositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the petrous part of the temporal bone, often resulting from a complication of otitis media or mastoiditis. In bilateral cases, both sides of the petrous bone are involved, leading to significant clinical manifestations. Patients typically present with severe ear pain, fever, and possibly hearing loss due to the proximity of the petrous bone to the inner ear structures. Symptoms may also include vertigo and tinnitus, reflecting vestibular involvement. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT or MRI to visualize the extent of the inflammation and rule out other conditions. Management often involves aggressive antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove necrotic tissue. The condition can lead to serious complications, including meningitis or cranial nerve palsies, making prompt diagnosis and treatment critical.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires differentiation from other ear-related conditions.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other diagnoses.
  • Need for precise documentation of bilateral involvement.
  • Involvement of multiple specialties in management.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement.
  • Failure to document the underlying cause (e.g., otitis media).
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the bilateral nature and any surgical interventions performed.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports must clearly indicate findings related to petrositis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

CT or MRI scans ordered for suspected petrositis.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should note any complications or associated findings.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.213 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding infectious and inflammatory conditions
  • Ensure accurate documentation of bilateral involvement and any underlying conditions contributing to petrositis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.213 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 underlying conditions.

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.

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.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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.

How is acute petrositis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT or MRI to visualize inflammation.

What is the typical treatment for acute petrositis?

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