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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH71.21

H71.21

Billable

Cholesteatoma of mastoid, right ear

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H71.21 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cholesteatoma of mastoid, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cholesteatoma of the mastoid process is a destructive and expanding growth of skin cells and other tissues in the middle ear and mastoid process. This condition often arises as a complication of chronic otitis media, where repeated infections lead to the accumulation of skin cells and debris. The cholesteatoma can erode surrounding structures, including the mastoid bone, leading to potential complications such as hearing loss, dizziness, and facial nerve paralysis. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear discharge, hearing impairment, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Diagnosis typically involves otoscopic examination, imaging studies like CT scans, and audiometric testing to assess hearing loss. Management often requires surgical intervention to remove the cholesteatoma and repair any damage to the ear structures. Postoperative care is crucial to monitor for recurrence and manage any complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other ear conditions such as otitis media and other types of cholesteatomas.
  • Need for precise documentation of the extent of the disease and any associated complications.
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions and follow-up care that must be accurately coded.
  • Variability in clinical presentation and management based on patient age and comorbidities.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the clinical findings and treatment plan.
  • Failure to document the surgical procedure performed.
  • Misclassification of the condition as a simple ear infection.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the patient's history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and surgical details.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or complications from cholesteatoma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all surgical interventions and follow-up visits are documented to support coding.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric evaluations and reports detailing the extent of hearing loss.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss in patients with known cholesteatoma.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between the cholesteatoma and hearing impairment.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H71.21 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis, treatment, and any complications
  • Include details on the laterality of the condition, as this code specifies the right ear

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H71.21 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Mastoidectomy

Clinical Scenario

Performed to remove cholesteatoma and repair the mastoid process.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngology specialists must ensure all surgical details are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including cholesteatomas, which helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including cholesteatomas, which helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of ear conditions, including cholesteatomas, which helps in better tracking and management of these conditions.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of cholesteatoma?

Cholesteatoma is primarily caused by chronic ear infections, which lead to the accumulation of skin cells and debris in the middle ear.