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 CodesH70.219

H70.219

Billable

Acute petrositis, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.219 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acute petrositis, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acute petrositis is an inflammatory condition affecting the petrous part of the temporal bone, often resulting from a complication of otitis media or mastoiditis. Clinically, it presents with symptoms such as severe ear pain, fever, and potential neurological signs due to the proximity of the petrous bone to critical structures like the inner ear and cranial nerves. Patients may experience hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as CT or MRI to visualize the extent of the inflammation, and possibly cultures to identify causative organisms. Management often requires antibiotic therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or debride infected tissue. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific ear affected is not documented, which may complicate treatment planning and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified ear complicates treatment planning.
  • Differentiation from other ear conditions is necessary.
  • Potential for co-existing conditions increases coding complexity.
  • Requires thorough documentation to support diagnosis.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Lack of specificity in documentation.
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions.
  • Failure to document clinical rationale for treatment.
  • Inadequate imaging reports to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute ear pain, fever, and hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the ear affected and any neurological symptoms.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings related to the petrous bone.

Common Clinical Scenarios

CT or MRI scans ordered for suspected petrositis.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.219 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the clinical presentation and any imaging results
  • Include any relevant history of otitis media or mastoiditis as part of the clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.219 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69210CPT Code

Removal of impacted cerumen

Clinical Scenario

Often performed in conjunction with ear examinations.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for cerumen removal and any associated symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the clinical necessity.

31256CPT Code

Nasal endoscopy

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate sinus involvement in cases of petrositis.

Documentation Requirements

Document findings and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure correlation with ear symptoms.

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 acute petrositis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. However, the increased specificity also requires more detailed documentation from providers.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acute petrositis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. However, the increased specificity also requires more detailed documentation from providers.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. However, the increased specificity also requires more detailed documentation from providers.

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 acute petrositis?

Common symptoms include severe ear pain, fever, hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. Neurological symptoms may also occur due to the proximity of the petrous bone to cranial nerves.

How is acute petrositis diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as CT or MRI, and possibly cultures to identify the causative organism.

What is the typical management for acute petrositis?

Management often includes antibiotic therapy, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses or debride infected tissue.