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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.93

H70.93

Billable

Unspecified mastoiditis, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.93 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified mastoiditis, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified mastoiditis, bilateral (H70.93) refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the mastoid process of the temporal bone, characterized by the presence of infection or inflammation without a specified etiology. Mastoiditis often arises as a complication of acute otitis media, where the infection spreads from the middle ear to the mastoid air cells. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, and swelling behind the ear. In bilateral cases, symptoms may be more pronounced, and patients may experience increased hearing loss or balance issues due to the involvement of both mastoids. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies like CT scans, and possibly tympanocentesis to identify the causative organism. Management may include antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be 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

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Differentiation from other ear-related conditions
  • Potential for surgical intervention
  • Need for precise documentation of bilateral involvement

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral symptoms
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause of mastoiditis
  • Lack of imaging studies in the medical record
  • Inconsistent coding of related ear conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, drainage from the ear, or complications from otitis media.

Billing Considerations

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

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of symptoms, family history of ear infections, and response to previous treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media leading to mastoiditis, often requiring close monitoring.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment and documentation, as children may present differently than adults.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.93 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H70
  • 93 should be used when the specific cause of mastoiditis is not documented
  • It is important to ensure that the bilateral nature is clearly indicated in the medical record to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.93 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy with tube placement

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of recurrent otitis media leading to mastoiditis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for tube placement and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the patient's history of ear infections.

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of severe mastoiditis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes and pre-operative assessments are necessary.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the surgical necessity is well-documented to support 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 conditions like mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H70.93 provides a clear designation for unspecified bilateral mastoiditis, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H70.93 provides a clear designation for unspecified bilateral mastoiditis, which aids in better patient management and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • •
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Ear Infections

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
  • •
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Ear Infections

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of bilateral mastoiditis?

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

How is bilateral mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as CT scans, and possibly tympanocentesis to identify the causative organism.

What treatments are available for bilateral mastoiditis?

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

When should H70.93 be used instead of other mastoiditis codes?

H70.93 should be used when the mastoiditis is unspecified and bilateral, ensuring that the bilateral nature is documented.