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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.203

H70.203

Billable

Unspecified petrositis, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.203 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified petrositis, bilateral.

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. Bilateral involvement indicates that both sides are affected. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including chronic otitis media, which may lead to secondary infections or complications. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. The diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies, such as CT or MRI, which can reveal bone erosion or other inflammatory changes. Management typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include antibiotics for infection, surgical intervention for drainage, or other supportive measures. Due to the complexity of the ear's anatomy and the potential for serious complications, accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for effective treatment and reimbursement.

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 of bilateral involvement

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify bilateral involvement
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record
  • Misclassification with other ear conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or vertigo.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of bilateral symptoms and any surgical interventions performed.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating findings related to petrositis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging studies requested for patients with suspected ear infections or complications.

Billing Considerations

Radiology reports should correlate with clinical findings to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.203 When
  • Follow official coding guidelines for the use of H70
  • 203, ensuring that bilateral involvement is documented
  • Ensure that the diagnosis aligns with the treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.203 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 symptoms.

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 conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H70.203 provides a clear designation for bilateral cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H70.203 provides a clear designation for bilateral cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H70.203 provides a clear designation for bilateral cases, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 bilateral petrositis?

Common symptoms include bilateral ear pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. Patients may also experience fever and drainage from the ear if an infection is present.