H60.4 vs H71
H60.4 (Cholesteatoma of external ear) compared with H71 (Cholesteatoma of middle ear), from the official CMS tabular data. Both may be reported when both conditions are documented (Excludes2).
Can these codes be reported together?
Yes, when both are documented. H60.4 carries an Excludes2 note covering H71: “cholesteatoma of middle ear (H71.-)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
Yes, when both are documented. H71 carries an Excludes2 note covering H60.4: “cholesteatoma of external ear (H60.4-)”
Excludes2 marks distinct conditions — both may be reported when both are documented.
Side by side
| H60.4Cholesteatoma of external ear | H71Cholesteatoma of middle ear | |
|---|---|---|
| Billing status | Non-billable header | Non-billable header |
| Classification | H60-H95 — Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60-H95) | H60-H95 — Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process (H60-H95) |
| Definition | Cholesteatoma of external ear is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (H60.4). | Cholesteatoma of middle ear is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code (H71). |
| Includes | Keratosis obturans of external ear (canal) | — |
Derived from the official CMS ICD-10-CM tabular data (FY2026). Not billing advice; verify sequencing rules for the encounter. All data sources