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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.893

H70.893

Billable

Other mastoiditis and related conditions, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.893 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other mastoiditis and related conditions, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Bilateral mastoiditis refers to the inflammation of the mastoid process, which is the bony structure located behind the ear. This condition often arises as a complication of acute otitis media or chronic ear infections, leading to the accumulation of pus and fluid in the mastoid air cells. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, fever, hearing loss, and swelling behind the ear. In severe cases, mastoiditis can lead to serious complications, including hearing loss, meningitis, or brain abscess. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as CT scans, and sometimes cultures of ear discharge. Management may include antibiotics, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy is necessary to drain infected material and prevent further complications. Accurate coding is essential for proper treatment reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of mastoiditis and related conditions.
  • Need for precise documentation of bilateral involvement.
  • Potential for overlapping symptoms with other ear conditions.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on severity.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement.
  • Failure to document the severity of symptoms.
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record.
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections leading to mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of bilateral symptoms and any surgical interventions performed.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections and current symptoms.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media developing mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment and documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.893 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and treatment plans in the medical record to support coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.893 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, tympanostomy tube placement

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of severe mastoiditis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery, pre-operative imaging, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure all surgical notes are detailed and clear.

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 diagnoses and treatment tracking. H70.893 provides a clear distinction for bilateral cases, which is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H70.893 provides a clear distinction for bilateral cases, which is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

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 bilateral mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ears, hearing loss, and drainage from the ear.

How is bilateral mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, imaging studies such as CT scans, and sometimes cultures of ear discharge.

What treatments are available for bilateral mastoiditis?

Treatment may include antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary.

What documentation is required for coding H70.893?

Documentation should include clinical symptoms, imaging results, treatment plans, and any surgical notes.