Is ICD-10-CM code H71 billable?

No, H71 (Cholesteatoma of middle ear) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM code. It must be coded to a more specific subcategory before it can be used for reimbursement.

What chapter does ICD-10-CM code H71 belong to?

H71 belongs to Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM tabular list: H60–H95 (Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process).

H71Not billable, use a more specific code below

Cholesteatoma of middle ear

In Diseases of middle ear and mastoid (H65-H75), chapter 8: Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process

20 billable codes under H71: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

Instructional notes

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

cholesteatoma of external ear (H60.4-)
recurrent cholesteatoma of postmastoidectomy cavity (H95.0-)

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

There are no chapter-specific rules for Chapter 8 yet, so the general rules in Section I.B apply.

Read Section I.C.8 (page 49)

All codes under H71

H71 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

H71 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, all 20 billable codes under H71 group to MS-DRG 154, 155, or 156 (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

Other codes that refer to H71

Notes on these codes point to H71.

H60.4 Excludes2: cholesteatoma of middle ear (H71.-)

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor. Three out of four children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Adults can also get ear infections, but they are less common.

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.