ICD-10 Code H71.13 – Cholesteatoma of tympanum, bilateral (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H71.13 – Cholesteatoma of tympanum, bilateral
What it is
H71.13 identifies cholesteatoma involving both tympanic cavities. It refers to abnormal skin-like growth in the middle ear that can erode nearby structures.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include chronic ear discharge, conductive hearing loss, and a retraction pocket or debris behind the tympanic membrane. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H71.13 when the provider documents cholesteatoma of the tympanum in both ears. This code supports bilateral disease only, so confirm laterality in the note. If documentation is incomplete, check documentation before assigning the code.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral cholesteatoma, unspecified ear involvement, or simple otitis media without cholesteatoma. Do not assume bilateral disease unless the record states it clearly.
Coding tip
Verify that “bilateral” is explicitly documented, because laterality drives code selection for H71.13.