What is this code?
ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95).
When is it used?
- May be used when a clinician documents acute mastoiditis in a patient's medical record.
- May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
- This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.
What it does not mean
- A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
- A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
- This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.
Code hierarchy
chapter
8Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
block
H65-H75Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
category
H70Mastoiditis and related conditions
currentH70
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Abscess of mastoid
- Empyema of mastoid
Where you may see this code
You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.
Related specialists
ENT Specialist
Related codes
Sibling codes
Mapped diagnoses and classifications
SNOMED_CT 10321002high
Abscess of mastoid
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 1088041000119106high
Acute left mastoiditis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 386034005high
Acute mastoiditis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 232269003high
Acute mastoiditis with facial paralysis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 232270002high
Acute mastoiditis with labyrinthitis
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
SNOMED_CT 232268006high
Acute mastoiditis with neck abscess
Source: SNOMED International ICD-10 map
Coding guidelines
Compatibility
Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.
Legacy codes
H70.0
Common synonyms
Acute mastoiditis
Frequently asked questions
About this content
This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.