H70.21
Non-Billable

Acute petrositis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Acute petrositis?

ICD-10-CM H70.21 is the diagnosis code for Acute petrositis. This code falls under the section "Diseases of middle ear and mastoid" within Chapter 8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

Coding Guidelines for H70.21

Always refer to the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List for complete coding guidelines. Ensure documentation supports the specificity of the code selected. When in doubt, consult a certified medical coder or the latest CMS guidelines.

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H70.21 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H70.211Acute petrositis, right earBillableH70.212Acute petrositis, left earBillableH70.213Acute petrositis, bilateralBillableH70.219Acute petrositis, unspecified earBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H70.21 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H70.21 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H70.21 mean?

H70.21 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Acute petrositis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H70.21?

The parent code of H70.21 is H70.2 ("Petrositis"). H70.21 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H70.21 in?

H70.21 is located in Section H65-H75 — "Diseases of middle ear and mastoid" within Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H70.21?

H70.21 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H70.211, H70.212, H70.213, H70.219.

When should I use H70.21?

Use H70.21 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Acute petrositis" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Acute petrositis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Acute petrositis is H70.21.

Can H70.21 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H70.21 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H70.21 in?

H70.21 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is H70.21 valid for 2026?

Yes, H70.21 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH70.209Unspecified petrositis, unspecified earNext →H70.211Acute petrositis, right ear
Code Details
H70.21
Acute petrositis
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
H65-H75 — Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
2026 ICD-10-CM