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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH70.91

H70.91

Billable

Unspecified mastoiditis, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H70.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified mastoiditis, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified mastoiditis refers to an inflammatory condition affecting the mastoid process of the temporal bone, typically resulting from an untreated or inadequately treated middle ear infection (otitis media). This condition can lead to complications such as hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, and in severe cases, intracranial infections. Patients may present with symptoms including ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, and swelling behind the ear. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging studies such as CT scans to assess the extent of the infection. Management often involves antibiotics, and in cases of abscess formation or chronic mastoiditis, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary. Accurate coding is crucial for appropriate treatment reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and severity of mastoiditis.
  • Differentiation from other ear conditions like otitis media.
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and treatment.
  • Potential for complications requiring additional coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the affected ear.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.
  • Improper coding of related conditions or complications.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes on symptoms, examination findings, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ear pain, fever, and drainage; recurrent otitis media leading to mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity and duration of symptoms to support the diagnosis.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Thorough history of ear infections, family history, and developmental milestones.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Children with recurrent ear infections leading to mastoiditis.

Billing Considerations

Consider age-related factors in treatment and documentation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H70.91 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any complications
  • Include relevant clinical findings and imaging results to support the diagnosis of mastoiditis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H70.91 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69436CPT Code

Mastoidectomy, tympanostomy tube placement

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of chronic mastoiditis requiring surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for surgery, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure all surgical notes are detailed and include findings.

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 mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like mastoiditis, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking treatment outcomes and resource utilization.

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 are the common symptoms of mastoiditis?

Common symptoms include ear pain, fever, swelling behind the ear, drainage from the ear, and hearing loss.

How is mastoiditis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, otoscopic examination, and imaging studies like CT scans.

What treatments are available for mastoiditis?

Treatment may include antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical intervention such as mastoidectomy may be necessary.