ICD-10 Code H71.02 – Cholesteatoma of attic, left ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H71.02 – Cholesteatoma of attic, left ear
What it is
H71.02 identifies a cholesteatoma located in the attic, or epitympanic space, of the left ear. It is a keratinizing epithelial growth that can erode nearby middle-ear structures.
Clinical signs
Common findings include chronic ear drainage, conductive hearing loss, and a retraction pocket or debris in the attic region. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H71.02 when the provider documents cholesteatoma specifically in the left attic/epitympanum. It also fits operative, imaging, or otoscopic documentation that clearly identifies the left ear and attic site. If the note only says cholesteatoma without location, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for cholesteatoma in the right ear, middle ear, or other unspecified sites. Do not assign it when the record describes only chronic otitis media without documented cholesteatoma.
Coding tip
Verify both laterality and the attic location before assigning H71.02.