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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.003

H70.003

Billable

Acute mastoiditis without complications, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.003 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute mastoiditis without complications, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, typically resulting from an untreated or inadequately treated acute otitis media. This condition is characterized by inflammation and infection of the mastoid air cells, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, fever, and swelling behind the ear. In bilateral cases, both mastoids are affected, which can complicate the clinical picture. Patients may present with otorrhea (ear discharge), hearing loss, and systemic symptoms like malaise. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the infection and rule out complications like abscess formation. Management typically involves antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary to drain infected material. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent complications, including hearing loss and intracranial infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic mastoiditis
  • Identifying bilateral involvement versus unilateral
  • Understanding the relationship with underlying otitis media
  • Navigating potential surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Misclassification of acute versus chronic mastoiditis
  • Lack of supporting imaging documentation

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 ear pain, fever, and swelling behind the ear, often following an upper respiratory infection.

Billing Considerations

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

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of recurrent otitis media, physical exam findings, and any prior treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent ear infections presenting with acute mastoiditis symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment and documentation, especially in young children.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.003 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding acute mastoiditis, ensuring accurate documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Include any associated conditions such as otitis media when applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.003 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, with or without tympanostomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of severe mastoiditis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery, findings during the procedure, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must ensure thorough documentation of the surgical necessity and outcomes.

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 mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ear, discharge from the ear, and hearing loss. In bilateral cases, symptoms may be more pronounced.

How is acute mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the infection and rule out complications.

What is the typical treatment for acute mastoiditis?

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

What are the potential complications of untreated acute mastoiditis?

Complications can include hearing loss, intracranial infections, and the development of abscesses.