H70.1
Non-Billable

Chronic mastoiditis

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Chronic mastoiditis?

ICD-10-CM H70.1 is the diagnosis code for Chronic mastoiditis. 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.

💡 Inclusions
⛔ Excludes1

Coding Guidelines for H70.1

✅ This Code Includes

  • Caries of mastoid
  • Fistula of mastoid

⛔ Type 1 Excludes (Never code together)

The following conditions should never be coded at the same time as H70.1. They are mutually exclusive:

  • tuberculous mastoiditis (A18.03)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H70.1 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Sub-Codes 4 entries
H70.10Chronic mastoiditis, unspecified earBillableH70.11Chronic mastoiditis, right earBillableH70.12Chronic mastoiditis, left earBillableH70.13Chronic mastoiditis, bilateralBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H70.1 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H70.1 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H70.1 mean?

H70.1 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Chronic mastoiditis". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H70.1?

The parent code of H70.1 is H70 ("Mastoiditis and related conditions"). H70.1 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H70.1 in?

H70.1 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 H70.1?

H70.1 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H70.10, H70.11, H70.12, H70.13.

When should I use H70.1?

Use H70.1 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Chronic mastoiditis" 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 Chronic mastoiditis?

The ICD-10-CM code for Chronic mastoiditis is H70.1.

Can H70.1 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H70.1 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H70.1 in?

H70.1 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What conditions are excluded from H70.1?

Type 1 Excludes for H70.1 include: tuberculous mastoiditis (A18.03).

Is H70.1 valid for 2026?

Yes, H70.1 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH70.099Acute mastoiditis with other complications, unspecified earNext →H70.10Chronic mastoiditis, unspecified ear
Code Details
H70.1
Chronic mastoiditis
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