ICD-10 Code H70.229 – Chronic petrositis, unspecified ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H70.229 – Chronic petrositis, unspecified ear
What it is
This code identifies chronic inflammation or infection of the petrous portion of the temporal bone when the affected ear is not specified. Use it for a documented chronic petrositis diagnosis, not a general ear infection.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical references describe persistent ear pain, drainage, or complications related to chronic mastoid or middle ear disease, but the record should support petrous bone involvement.
When to use this code
Use H70.229 when the clinician documents chronic petrositis and does not specify right or left ear. This is appropriate when imaging, operative findings, or specialist notes identify chronic petrous inflammation. If laterality is documented, code to the more specific ear code instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for acute petrositis, nonspecific otitis media, or mastoiditis without petrous involvement. Check documentation if the record only mentions chronic ear infection or ear pain.
Coding tip
Confirm both chronicity and the unspecified-ear designation in the note before assigning H70.229.