ICD-10 Code H70.211 – Acute petrositis, right ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H70.211 – Acute petrositis, right ear
What it is
H70.211 identifies an acute infection or inflammation of the petrous portion of the temporal bone on the right side. Use it when documentation specifically states acute petrositis affecting the right ear.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings may include severe ear pain, otitis media complications, mastoid-region tenderness, or imaging evidence of petrous bone involvement.
When to use this code
Use H70.211 when the provider documents acute petrositis and clearly identifies the right ear. It is appropriate for confirmed cases supported by clinical assessment, imaging, or specialist notation. If laterality is not stated, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for chronic petrositis or nonspecific ear infection without petrous involvement. If the record does not specify the right side, do not assume H70.211.
Coding tip
Verify both acuity and laterality in the note; if either is missing, query the provider.