ICD-10 Code H71 – Cholesteatoma of middle ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H71 – Cholesteatoma of middle ear
What it is
H71 identifies cholesteatoma in the middle ear, a growth of trapped skin cells behind the eardrum. It can damage nearby structures if not documented and managed appropriately.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include chronic ear drainage, hearing loss, and a retraction pocket or mass on otoscopic exam. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use H71 when the provider documents cholesteatoma of the middle ear, whether acquired or otherwise specified in the record. Code it when the diagnosis is confirmed and the note clearly places the lesion in the middle ear. If the documentation only says “ear mass” or “chronic otitis,” check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use H71 for routine otitis media, simple ear infection, or external ear disease. If the record does not confirm cholesteatoma, do not assume it from symptoms alone.
Coding tip
Match the code only to explicit provider documentation of middle-ear cholesteatoma; if the site or type is unclear, query before coding.