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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.012

H70.012

Billable

Subperiosteal abscess of mastoid, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.012 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of subperiosteal abscess of mastoid, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A subperiosteal abscess of the mastoid process is a localized collection of pus that forms beneath the periosteum of the mastoid bone, typically as a complication of acute or chronic otitis media. This condition is characterized by inflammation and infection that can lead to significant morbidity if not treated promptly. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ear, and possible drainage from the ear canal. The left ear designation indicates the specific side affected. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as CT scans, which reveal the extent of the abscess and any associated bone involvement. Management typically involves antibiotic therapy and may require surgical intervention, such as mastoidectomy, to drain the abscess and remove infected tissue. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent complications such as hearing loss or intracranial infections.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic conditions
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and imaging results
  • Potential for multiple related diagnoses (e.g., otitis media)
  • Variability in treatment approaches (medical vs. surgical)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the side affected
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of acute mastoiditis, chronic ear infections, and post-operative care following mastoid surgery.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the surgical procedure if performed, including any complications or follow-up care.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections, growth and development assessments, and parental observations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Frequent ear infections leading to consideration of tympanostomy tubes or other interventions.

Billing Considerations

Document any developmental concerns related to hearing loss or speech delays.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.012 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and treatment plans
  • The code H70
  • 012 is specific to the left ear and should not be used interchangeably with codes for other conditions or sides

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.012 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69420CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, simple

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for drainage of the abscess.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, indication for surgery, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical notes are complete and reflect the urgency of 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 subperiosteal abscesses, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better tracking of outcomes and complications.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like subperiosteal abscesses, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better tracking of outcomes and complications.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like subperiosteal abscesses, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better tracking of outcomes and complications.

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 a subperiosteal abscess of the mastoid?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ear, and possible drainage from the ear canal. Patients may also experience hearing loss.