ICD-10 Code H71.31 – Diffuse cholesteatosis, right ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H71.31 – Diffuse cholesteatosis, right ear
What it is
H71.31 identifies diffuse cholesteatosis affecting the right ear. Use it when documentation specifies this ear as the site and the condition is described as diffuse cholesteatosis, not a more general cholesteatoma.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Standard references may describe ear discharge, hearing loss, or chronic middle ear disease, but you should code only what is documented for the right ear.
When to use this code
Use this code when the provider documents diffuse cholesteatosis in the right ear, including operative, imaging, or specialist notes that clearly identify laterality. It is appropriate when the record distinguishes this from left, bilateral, or unspecified ear disease.
If the note is incomplete or only says “cholesteatoma” without laterality, check documentation before assigning H71.31. You should avoid guessing the ear based on context alone.
Do not use for
Do not use H71.31 for cholesteatosis of the left ear, bilateral disease, or unspecified ear site. Do not use it when the record does not clearly support diffuse cholesteatosis.
Coding tip
Confirm both the exact term and the right-ear laterality in the chart before coding H71.31.