Cholesteatoma of mastoid, bilateral

This code identifies the presence of a cholesteatoma, which is an abnormal, noncancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear and mastoid bone, affecting both ears. This growth can erode surrounding bone and lead to complications such as hearing loss, dizziness, and facial nerve paralysis.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a cholesteatoma involving the mastoid process in both the left and right ears. This diagnosis is typically made based on otoscopic examination, audiometry, and imaging studies such as CT scans.

• Ensure documentation specifies "bilateral" involvement of the mastoid to accurately assign this code.
• Distinguish from cholesteatoma of the middle ear without mastoid involvement (H71.1-) or cholesteatoma of the attic (H71.0-).
• Code any associated complications, such as conductive hearing loss (H90.0-), separately.