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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. S00–T88
  4. T66-T78
  5. Effects of air pressure and water pressure (T70)

Effects of air pressure and water pressure (T70)

The ICD-10 code section T70 covers the medical conditions caused by changes in air pressure and water pressure, such as barotrauma and decompression sickness. These codes help classify injuries and disorders resulting from pressure differences affecting the ears, sinuses, high altitude, and diving situations.

Specifically, codes like T70.0 designate otitic barotrauma, which includes injuries to the middle and inner ear caused by pressure changes (sometimes called aural barotrauma or barotitis). The code variants T70.0XXA, -XXD, and -XXS differentiate between initial, subsequent, and sequela encounters. Similarly, T70.1 is used for sinus barotrauma, linked with pressure effects on the sinus cavities. Codes such as T70.3 address Caisson disease (decompression sickness), a serious condition seen in divers and pressurized workers. Other subcodes cover broader effects of high altitude, high-pressure fluids, and other air or water pressure injuries. Using these ICD-10 codes ensures precise documentation of pressure-related injuries for accurate diagnosis and treatment tracking.

Instructional Notations

7th Character Note

Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.

  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category T70

7th Character

Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Barotrauma

Injury following pressure changes; includes injury to the eustachian tube, ear drum, lung and stomach.

Toothache

Pain in the adjacent areas of the teeth.