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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.10

H70.10

Billable

Chronic mastoiditis, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

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

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic mastoiditis is a persistent inflammatory condition of the mastoid air cells, typically resulting from untreated or inadequately treated acute otitis media. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, discharge, and hearing loss. The condition can lead to complications, including hearing impairment and the potential for more severe infections. Diagnosis is often confirmed through clinical evaluation, imaging studies like CT scans, and audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management may involve antibiotics, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy, and addressing any underlying otitis media. Chronic mastoiditis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, necessitating careful monitoring and treatment to prevent complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic mastoiditis
  • Understanding the relationship with otitis media
  • Identifying complications that may arise
  • Variability in clinical presentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to document associated conditions like otitis media
  • Lack of imaging studies in the medical record
  • Insufficient detail in treatment plans

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear infections, audiometric results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent ear infections leading to chronic mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the duration and severity of symptoms.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history and referral notes for specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial diagnosis and management of ear infections in children.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the progression of symptoms and response to initial treatments.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.10 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding chronic conditions
  • Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation, including the duration of symptoms and any relevant imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.10 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for chronic mastoiditis with complications.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngology specialists must document the necessity for surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 chronic mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include persistent ear pain, discharge from the ear, hearing loss, and sometimes fever. Patients may also experience a sense of fullness in the ear.