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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.201

H70.201

Billable

Unspecified petrositis, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.201 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified petrositis, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified petrositis refers to inflammation of the petrous part of the temporal bone, which houses critical structures of the ear and is closely associated with the mastoid process. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including bacterial or viral infections, often secondary to otitis media or mastoiditis. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, and possibly fever, indicating an underlying infection. The right ear designation specifies the affected side, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, such as CT scans, to assess the extent of inflammation and rule out complications like abscess formation. Management may include antibiotics, analgesics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to drain infected material or remove necrotic tissue. Given the potential for complications, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent further auditory or vestibular dysfunction.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for imaging studies for accurate diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions
  • Documentation requirements for specifying the right ear

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misdiagnosis due to symptom overlap with otitis media
  • Lack of imaging documentation

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, hearing loss, or recurrent ear infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the affected ear and any surgical interventions performed.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports must clearly indicate findings related to petrositis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

CT scans performed for suspected ear infections or complications.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should correlate imaging findings with clinical symptoms for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.201 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the condition is confirmed and documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.201 When
  • Exclude conditions that are not specifically related to petrositis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with ear evaluations.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of petrositis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including petrositis, which enhances the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including petrositis, which enhances the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including petrositis, which enhances the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively.

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 petrositis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, hearing loss, fever, and possibly vertigo. Symptoms may vary based on the severity of the condition.

How is petrositis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation and imaging studies, such as CT scans, which reveal inflammation of the petrous bone.

What is the treatment for petrositis?

Treatment often involves antibiotics, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain any abscesses or necrotic tissue.