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 CodesH70.202

H70.202

Billable

Unspecified petrositis, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.202 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified petrositis, left 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, tinnitus, and vertigo. The left ear designation indicates the affected side, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like CT or MRI to visualize the extent of inflammation and rule out complications such as abscess formation. Management may include antibiotics, analgesics, and in some cases, surgical intervention to drain infected material or debride necrotic tissue. The complexity of coding this condition lies in its unspecified nature, requiring careful documentation to ensure accurate representation of the clinical scenario.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the condition
  • Potential overlap with other ear disorders
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms
  • Variability in treatment approaches

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the side of the ear affected
  • Misuse of unspecified codes
  • Lack of imaging or lab results to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, hearing loss, or vertigo following upper respiratory infections.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the clinical rationale for diagnosis and treatment to support coding.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Imaging reports detailing findings related to the petrous bone and surrounding structures.

Common Clinical Scenarios

CT or MRI scans ordered to evaluate suspected petrositis or related complications.

Billing Considerations

Radiology reports should clearly indicate the findings relevant to the diagnosis of petrositis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.202 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the condition is confirmed and documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.202 When
  • Exclude conditions that are more specific or have distinct codes

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with evaluation of ear symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this procedure during the same visit as diagnosing 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

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of petrositis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues, often following an upper respiratory infection or chronic ear infections.

How is petrositis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies such as CT or MRI to assess the extent of inflammation.

What treatments are available for petrositis?

Treatment may include antibiotics, pain management, and in severe cases, surgical intervention to drain abscesses or remove necrotic tissue.