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 CodesH70.8

H70.8

Billable

Other mastoiditis and related conditions

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other mastoiditis and related conditions.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H70.8 refers to other forms of mastoiditis, which is an inflammation of the mastoid process, typically resulting from an infection that spreads from the middle ear (otitis media). Clinical manifestations may include ear pain, fever, and drainage from the ear. Patients may also experience hearing loss, which can be conductive or sensorineural, depending on the extent of the infection and any associated complications. Diagnostic criteria often involve clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as CT scans, and audiometric testing to assess hearing function. Management may include antibiotics, surgical interventions like mastoidectomy, and close monitoring for potential complications such as abscess formation or chronic ear disease. Accurate coding requires a thorough understanding of the underlying conditions and their relationship to mastoiditis, as well as the specific clinical context of each patient.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying conditions leading to mastoiditis
  • Differentiation from other types of ear infections
  • Potential for multiple related diagnoses
  • Need for precise documentation of clinical findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of mastoiditis
  • Misuse of related codes leading to upcoding or downcoding
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, fever, and drainage, requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests and imaging studies are documented to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical exam, including any referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of ear infections that may lead to mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Document any follow-up care or referrals to ensure continuity of care.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.8 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H70
  • 8 should be used when the specific type of mastoiditis does not fall under the defined categories of acute or chronic mastoiditis
  • It is essential to document the clinical context and any related conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.8 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed for chronic mastoiditis with complications.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngology specialists must ensure all pre-operative evaluations are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H70.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into the acute or chronic categories, enhancing clinical clarity.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. H70.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into the acute or chronic categories, enhancing clinical clarity.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. H70.8 provides a distinct code for cases that do not fit into the acute or chronic categories, enhancing clinical clarity.

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

When should I use H70.8 instead of H70.0 or H70.1?

H70.8 should be used when the mastoiditis does not fit the criteria for acute or chronic mastoiditis, and it is essential to document the specific clinical context to justify this coding.