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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.221

H70.221

Billable

Chronic petrositis, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.221 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic petrositis, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic petrositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the petrous part of the temporal bone, often resulting from recurrent otitis media or chronic ear infections. This condition is characterized by persistent inflammation and can lead to complications such as hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and even intracranial infections if left untreated. Patients typically present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing impairment, and possibly vertigo. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies like CT or MRI to assess the extent of the disease and rule out other conditions. Management may involve antibiotics, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy or mastoidectomy, and close monitoring of hearing and balance functions. Chronic petrositis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment and follow-up.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and history
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to document imaging studies
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic conditions
  • Lack of detailed symptom descriptions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections, audiometric evaluations, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent ear infections leading to chronic petrositis, presenting with hearing loss and vertigo.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the duration and severity of symptoms to support chronic diagnosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports indicating the extent of petrositis and any associated complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

CT or MRI scans performed to evaluate chronic ear disease.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should provide clear descriptions of findings related to the petrous bone.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.221 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the chronic nature of the condition
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and co
  • existing conditions to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.221 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanostomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed in patients with chronic otitis media leading to petrositis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for surgery and pre-operative evaluations.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear linkage between the diagnosis and the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

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 chronic petrositis?

Common symptoms include persistent ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Patients may also experience drainage from the ear if there is associated infection.