ICD-10 Code H71.9 – Unspecified cholesteatoma (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H71.9 – Unspecified cholesteatoma
What it is
H71.9 identifies cholesteatoma when the site or type is not further specified. Use it for an abnormal keratinizing growth in the middle ear or mastoid area when documentation does not name a more specific code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include chronic ear drainage, hearing loss, or evidence of a destructive ear mass on examination or imaging.
When to use this code
Use H71.9 when the record confirms cholesteatoma but does not specify the ear, location, or subtype. It is also appropriate when the provider documents “cholesteatoma” without further detail. If laterality or site is available, code that more specific option instead.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for a suspected cholesteatoma without confirmation. Do not use it when the documentation clearly identifies a more specific cholesteatoma code or when the condition is another ear disorder.
Coding tip
Check the operative note, imaging report, and assessment for laterality or site before defaulting to H71.9.