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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.229

H70.229

Billable

Chronic petrositis, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.229 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of chronic petrositis, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Chronic petrositis is a persistent inflammation of the petrous part of the temporal bone, often associated with chronic otitis media or mastoiditis. This condition can lead to complications such as hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and cranial nerve involvement. Patients may present with symptoms including ear pain, hearing impairment, dizziness, and sometimes facial nerve weakness. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT or MRI to assess the extent of the inflammation and rule out other conditions. Management may include antibiotic therapy, surgical intervention such as tympanostomy or mastoidectomy, and close monitoring of auditory and vestibular function. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific ear affected is not documented, which may complicate treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified ear complicates treatment and documentation.
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions like otitis media.
  • Requires detailed clinical documentation to support chronicity.
  • Diagnostic imaging may be necessary for accurate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Lack of detailed documentation supporting chronicity.
  • Inadequate imaging reports to justify diagnosis.
  • Failure to document associated symptoms or complications.
  • Misclassification with acute conditions.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or vestibular symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the chronic nature and any surgical interventions performed.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports detailing findings related to petrositis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Imaging for suspected chronic ear disease or complications.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should clearly indicate the extent of inflammation and any differential diagnoses.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.229 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding chronic conditions
  • Ensure documentation supports the chronic nature of the condition and any associated symptoms
  • Use additional codes for complications such as hearing loss or vestibular disorders as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.229 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Tympanostomy

Clinical Scenario

Used in patients with chronic otitis media leading to petrositis.

Documentation Requirements

Document indication for tympanostomy and any prior treatments.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure clear documentation of the chronic nature of the condition.

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed in cases of chronic petrositis with mastoid involvement.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes and pre-operative assessments.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure clear linkage between the diagnosis and the surgical procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of chronic conditions like petrositis, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better management of chronic ear diseases.

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 is the difference between chronic petrositis and acute petrositis?

Chronic petrositis refers to long-standing inflammation of the petrous bone, often resulting from recurrent infections, while acute petrositis is a sudden onset condition typically associated with acute infections.