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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH71.0

H71.0

Billable

Cholesteatoma of attic

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H71.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of cholesteatoma of attic.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Cholesteatoma of the attic is a destructive and expanding growth of skin cells in the middle ear and/or mastoid process. It typically arises from chronic otitis media and can lead to significant complications if left untreated. The attic, or epitympanic recess, is the upper part of the middle ear, and cholesteatomas can cause erosion of the surrounding structures, including the ossicles and mastoid bone. Patients may present with symptoms such as hearing loss, ear discharge, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. In some cases, there may be associated pain or dizziness. Diagnosis is primarily made through otoscopic examination, which may reveal a retraction or perforation of the tympanic membrane, and imaging studies like CT scans can help assess the extent of the disease. Management typically involves surgical intervention to remove the cholesteatoma and reconstruct the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain, with the goal of restoring hearing and preventing further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of ear anatomy and pathology
  • Differentiation from other types of ear conditions
  • Potential for multiple surgical interventions
  • Need for detailed documentation of clinical findings

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to document the extent of the cholesteatoma
  • Lack of surgical notes detailing the procedure performed
  • Misuse of related codes for similar conditions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and surgical notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of any associated procedures, such as tympanoplasty or mastoidectomy.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed audiometric evaluations and reports on hearing loss related to cholesteatoma.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of hearing loss in patients with diagnosed cholesteatoma.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of cholesteatoma on hearing and any recommendations for rehabilitation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H71.0 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the diagnosis and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the extent of the cholesteatoma and any surgical procedures performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H71.0 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Tympanomastoid surgery

Clinical Scenario

Performed to remove cholesteatoma and reconstruct the tympanic membrane.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists 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 cholesteatomas, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of cholesteatomas, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 hearing loss, ear discharge, a feeling of fullness in the ear, and in some cases, pain or dizziness.

How is cholesteatoma diagnosed?

Diagnosis is typically made through otoscopic examination and imaging studies, such as CT scans, to assess the extent of the disease.

What is the treatment for cholesteatoma?

Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to remove the cholesteatoma and reconstruct the tympanic membrane to restore hearing and prevent complications.