Is ICD-10-CM code H70 billable?

No, H70 (Mastoiditis and related conditions) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code H70 belong to?

H70 belongs to Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: H60–H95 (Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process).

H70Not billable, use a more specific code below

Mastoiditis and related conditions

In Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (H65-H75), chapter 8: Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process

40 billable codes under H70: 12 are a CC; none map to an HCC.A CC or MCC (major CC) is a secondary diagnosis that raises the MS-DRG payment.

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 8 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.8 (page 49)

All codes under H70

H70 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

H70 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under H70 group to these 7 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

DRG 152 Otitis Media and URI with MCC (32 of 40 codes)
DRG 153 Otitis Media and URI without MCC (32 of 40 codes)
DRG 154 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with MCC (8 of 40 codes)
DRG 155 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses with CC (8 of 40 codes)
DRG 156 Other Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat Diagnoses without CC/MCC (8 of 40 codes)
DRG 791 Prematurity with Major Problems (8 of 40 codes)
DRG 793 Full Term Neonate with Major Problems (8 of 40 codes)

Other codes that refer to H70

Notes on these codes point to H70.

H74 Excludes2: mastoiditis (H70.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.