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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.892

H70.892

Billable

Other mastoiditis and related conditions, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.892 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other mastoiditis and related conditions, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H70.892 refers to other forms of mastoiditis affecting the left ear, which is an inflammation of the mastoid process, typically resulting from an infection that spreads from the middle ear (otitis media). Clinical presentation may include ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, and hearing loss. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms such as malaise and headache. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies, such as CT scans, which can reveal fluid accumulation or bone destruction in the mastoid area. Management may involve antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary to remove infected tissue. The condition can lead to complications, including hearing loss and intracranial infections if not treated promptly.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of mastoiditis and related conditions
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging results
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to document imaging studies that support diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the type of mastoiditis
  • Inconsistent coding of co-existing conditions

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 drainage, requiring evaluation for possible mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the left ear involvement and any surgical interventions performed.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination notes, including symptom duration and severity.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of patients with ear infections or symptoms suggestive of mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Referral to specialists should be documented, along with any follow-up care provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.892 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H70
  • 892 should be used when the specific type of mastoiditis is not classified elsewhere
  • It is important to document the left ear involvement clearly and to differentiate it from other ear conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.892 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed when medical management fails and surgical intervention is required for mastoiditis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the extent of the disease and any complications encountered.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H70.892 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H70.892 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. H70.892 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9.

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 are the common symptoms of mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, and hearing loss. Patients may also experience systemic symptoms like headache and malaise.

How is mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, which can reveal fluid accumulation or bone changes in the mastoid process.

What treatments are available for mastoiditis?

Treatment often involves antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary to remove infected tissue.