ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.091

H70.091

Billable

Acute mastoiditis with other complications, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.091 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute mastoiditis with other complications, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid process, typically resulting from an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection (otitis media). This condition is characterized by inflammation and infection of the mastoid air cells, which can lead to complications such as abscess formation, hearing loss, and potential spread of infection to surrounding structures. Patients often present with symptoms including ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ear, and drainage from the ear canal. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the infection and any complications. Management typically involves antibiotics and may require surgical intervention, such as mastoidectomy, to drain infected material and prevent further complications. The right ear designation is crucial for accurate coding and treatment planning, as it influences the choice of surgical approach and potential outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic mastoiditis
  • Identifying specific complications associated with the condition
  • Correctly coding the laterality (right ear)
  • Understanding the relationship between otitis media and mastoiditis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of complications
  • Failure to specify laterality
  • Misdiagnosis of acute versus chronic mastoiditis
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, fever, and swelling behind the ear, often following a recent upper respiratory infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of the infection and any complications to support the use of H70.091.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent otitis media who develop acute mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment and coding, as pediatric patients may present differently.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.091 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding infections, ensuring to document the presence of complications and laterality
  • Include any relevant imaging or lab results to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.091 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, simple

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for acute mastoiditis.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the surgical necessity is well documented.

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. H70.091 provides granularity in capturing complications associated with the condition.

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. H70.091 provides granularity in capturing complications associated with the condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. H70.091 provides granularity in capturing complications associated with the condition.

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 complications associated with acute mastoiditis?

Common complications include abscess formation, hearing loss, and the potential spread of infection to surrounding structures, such as the brain or cranial cavity.