ICD-10 H71
Non-Billable HeaderCholesteatoma of middle ear
About ICD-10-CM H71
ICD-10-CM code H71 represents Cholesteatoma of middle ear. This is a non-billable header code in the Ear and Mastoid Process chapter (block H71). The 2026 edition of ICD-10-CM H71 became effective on October 1, 2025. Non-billable codes cannot be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis on a claim, use a more specific child code instead.
Type 2 Excludes
Not included here, the excluded code is not part of H71, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. Both codes may be coded together when applicable.
- cholesteatoma of external ear (H60.4-)
- recurrent cholesteatoma of postmastoidectomy cavity (H95.0-)
Medicare LCD Coverage for H71
Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) from CMS MACs that list H71 as a covered diagnosis.
This doesn't mean the code isn't covered, it means no MAC has issued a Local Coverage Determination naming this specific code. Coverage may still apply under National Coverage Determinations or general medical-necessity rules.
Commercial Payer Coverage
Coverage policies from major commercial payers referencing H71.
Our payer policy database covers Aetna, Cigna, Anthem, BCBS, Humana, and Medicare Advantage plans, but H71 doesn't currently appear in any indexed policy. The code may still be covered under standard plan benefits.
CPT Codes Commonly Billed with H71
Procedures frequently paired with this diagnosis based on PayerReady's Dx↔Px linkage data.
We don't have CPT pairings indexed for this specific code yet. Use the CPT search above to find common procedures, or check your payer's published medical policy for code-specific guidance.
Codes Adjacent To H71
Other codes in section H65-H75 (Diseases of middle ear and mastoid).
ICD-10 H71, Billing FAQ
Is ICD-10 code H71 billable? +
No, H71 is a non-billable header code. Use a more specific child code from block H71 when submitting claims.
What codes are Type 2 Excludes for H71? +
Type 2 Excludes (may be coded together when both conditions exist): cholesteatoma of external ear (H60.4-); recurrent cholesteatoma of postmastoidectomy cavity (H95.0-)
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Reviewed by the PayerReady Medical Coding Team
Verified against the CMS 2026 code set on May 31, 2026.
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