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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.11

H70.11

Billable

Chronic mastoiditis, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic mastoiditis, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic mastoiditis is a persistent inflammatory condition affecting the mastoid process, typically resulting from untreated or inadequately treated acute otitis media. This condition is characterized by the presence of fluid and infection in the mastoid air cells, leading to symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and potentially fever. In chronic cases, the inflammation can lead to the formation of granulation tissue and bone erosion, which may complicate treatment. Patients may present with persistent ear discharge (otorrhea), conductive hearing loss, and tenderness over the mastoid area. Diagnosis is often confirmed through clinical examination, imaging studies such as CT scans, and audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management typically involves antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary to remove infected tissue and restore normal ear function. Chronic mastoiditis can lead to serious complications if left untreated, including intracranial infections, making timely diagnosis and management crucial.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic mastoiditis
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment
  • Potential for co-existing conditions affecting coding
  • Variability in treatment approaches and surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of chronicity
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions
  • Insufficient detail on surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent ear infections, persistent otorrhea, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature of the condition and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports on hearing loss related to mastoiditis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments post-mastoiditis treatment.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of mastoiditis on hearing thresholds and any rehabilitative measures taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.11 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the chronic nature of the condition
  • Include details on any surgical procedures performed and associated complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.11 When
  • Exclude codes for acute mastoiditis unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, simple

Clinical Scenario

Performed for chronic mastoiditis to remove infected tissue.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all surgical details are accurately captured.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding chronic mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of the condition.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding chronic mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of the condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding chronic mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of 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 symptoms of chronic mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include persistent ear discharge, hearing loss, ear pain, and tenderness over the mastoid area.

How is chronic mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination, imaging studies such as CT scans, and audiometric testing.

What treatments are available for chronic mastoiditis?

Treatment may include antibiotics and surgical procedures such as mastoidectomy to remove infected tissue.