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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.13

H70.13

Billable

Chronic mastoiditis, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.13 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic mastoiditis, bilateral.

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 or chronic otitis media. In bilateral cases, both mastoids are affected, leading to potential complications such as hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and the risk of intracranial infections. Patients may present with symptoms including persistent ear pain, drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and sometimes fever. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans that reveal mastoid air cell opacification. Management often involves antibiotic therapy, and in cases where medical treatment fails, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary to remove infected tissue and restore normal ear function. Chronic mastoiditis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, necessitating careful monitoring and management to prevent complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between acute and chronic mastoiditis
  • Bilateral vs. unilateral coding nuances
  • Potential for co-existing conditions such as chronic otitis media
  • Need for detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Failure to document prior treatments or interventions
  • Misclassification of acute vs. chronic conditions
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with recurrent ear infections leading to chronic mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the chronic nature and bilateral involvement for accurate coding.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, symptom tracking, and referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial diagnosis and management of ear infections that may progress to mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Documenting referrals and follow-up care is crucial for continuity of care and accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.13 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H70
  • 13 should be used when there is clear documentation of chronic mastoiditis affecting both sides
  • It is essential to differentiate from other ear conditions and ensure that the chronic nature is well
  • documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.13 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed when chronic mastoiditis does not respond to medical treatment.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists must document the extent of disease and rationale 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. The specificity of H70.13 helps in tracking the prevalence and treatment outcomes of this condition.

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. The specificity of H70.13 helps in tracking the prevalence and treatment outcomes of this condition.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. The specificity of H70.13 helps in tracking the prevalence and treatment outcomes of this 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 pain, drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and sometimes fever. Patients may also experience dizziness or balance issues.