ICD-10 Code H60.4 – Cholesteatoma of external ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H60.4 – Cholesteatoma of external ear
What it is
H60.4 identifies a cholesteatoma involving the external ear. It refers to an abnormal keratinizing lesion in the ear canal or outer ear, not the middle ear.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a chronic ear canal mass, debris buildup, and possible foul-smelling drainage or local irritation. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H60.4 when the provider documents cholesteatoma of the external ear, external auditory canal, or similar wording. Code it when the diagnosis is confirmed and the lesion is located in the outer ear. If the note only says “ear cholesteatoma,” check documentation for the exact site.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cholesteatoma of the middle ear or mastoid. Do not assign it for nonspecific ear discharge, otitis externa, or other external ear lesions without documented cholesteatoma.
Coding tip
Confirm the anatomic site in the record before coding; “cholesteatoma” alone is not enough.