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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH71.23

H71.23

Billable

Cholesteatoma of mastoid, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H71.23 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cholesteatoma of mastoid, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cholesteatoma of the mastoid is a destructive and expanding growth of skin cells in the middle ear and/or 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 in the middle ear. Bilateral cholesteatomas indicate that both sides are affected, which can complicate clinical management and increase the risk of hearing loss and other complications. Patients may present with symptoms such as ear discharge, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes vertigo. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through otoscopic examination, imaging studies like CT scans, and audiometric testing. Management often involves surgical intervention to remove the cholesteatoma and reconstruct the tympanic membrane, with follow-up care to monitor for recurrence. The complexity of this condition lies in its potential to cause significant morbidity, including chronic infections and erosion of surrounding structures, necessitating careful coding and documentation.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Bilateral nature complicates treatment and documentation.
  • Requires detailed imaging and audiometric data for accurate diagnosis.
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions increases coding complexity.
  • Associated with other ear conditions, necessitating careful differentiation.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement.
  • Failure to document the extent of the cholesteatoma.
  • Lack of imaging studies in the medical record.
  • Improper coding of associated conditions like hearing loss.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed surgical notes, imaging results, and audiometric evaluations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, hearing loss, or post-operative follow-ups.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the extent of the cholesteatoma and any associated complications.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiometric evaluations and reports on hearing loss.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments post-cholesteatoma surgery.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of cholesteatoma on hearing and any rehabilitative measures taken.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H71.23 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the bilateral nature of the condition
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbidities and complications
  • Ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and imaging studies

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H71.23 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanomastoid surgery

Clinical Scenario

Used for surgical intervention in cases of cholesteatoma.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngology specialists must document the extent of the cholesteatoma and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like cholesteatoma, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. The detailed coding structure helps in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like cholesteatoma, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. The detailed coding structure helps in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. The detailed coding structure helps in better tracking of disease prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 are the common symptoms of cholesteatoma?

Common symptoms include ear discharge, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sometimes vertigo. Patients may also experience pain or pressure in the affected ear.

How is cholesteatoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through otoscopic examination, imaging studies such as CT scans, and audiometric testing to assess hearing loss.

What are the treatment options for cholesteatoma?

Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to remove the cholesteatoma and reconstruct the tympanic membrane. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence.