H60.4
Non-Billable

Cholesteatoma of external ear

Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code

What is Cholesteatoma of external ear?

ICD-10-CM H60.4 is the diagnosis code for Cholesteatoma of external ear. This code falls under the section "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95). It is a non-billable/non-specific ICD-10-CM code that should not be used for reimbursement. A more specific sub-code is required for billing. Medical coders and healthcare providers use this code to document and classify diagnoses in electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical databases.

💡 Inclusions
â„šī¸ Excludes2

Coding Guidelines for H60.4

✅ This Code Includes

  • Keratosis obturans of external ear (canal)

â„šī¸ Type 2 Excludes (Code separately if applicable)

The following conditions are not included in H60.4. If the patient has both, code each condition separately:

  • cholesteatoma of middle ear (H71.-)
  • recurrent cholesteatoma of postmastoidectomy cavity (H95.0-)

ICD-10-CM Code Hierarchy

Understanding where H60.4 sits in the ICD-10-CM classification helps ensure proper coding:

Current CodeH60.4 — Cholesteatoma of external ear
Sub-Codes 4 entries
H60.40Cholesteatoma of external ear, unspecified earBillableH60.41Cholesteatoma of right external earBillableH60.42Cholesteatoma of left external earBillableH60.43Cholesteatoma of external ear, bilateralBillable
Related Codes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is H60.4 a billable ICD-10-CM code?

No, H60.4 is a non-billable/non-specific code. You should use a more specific sub-code for billing and reimbursement.

What does H60.4 mean?

H60.4 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for "Cholesteatoma of external ear". It is used by healthcare providers to classify and document this condition in medical records and insurance claims.

What is the parent code of H60.4?

The parent code of H60.4 is H60 ("Otitis externa"). H60.4 provides a more specific classification within this category.

What section is H60.4 in?

H60.4 is located in Section H60-H62 — "Diseases of external ear" within Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

What are the sub-codes of H60.4?

H60.4 has 4 sub-code(s) that provide more specific detail: H60.40, H60.41, H60.42, H60.43.

When should I use H60.4?

Use H60.4 when the patients documented diagnosis matches "Cholesteatoma of external ear" and the clinical documentation supports this level of specificity. Always verify with the latest ICD-10-CM guidelines and payer requirements.

People Also Ask

What is the ICD-10 code for Cholesteatoma of external ear?

The ICD-10-CM code for Cholesteatoma of external ear is H60.4.

Can H60.4 be used for primary diagnosis?

No, H60.4 is non-billable. Use a more specific sub-code for primary diagnosis billing.

What chapter is H60.4 in?

H60.4 is in Chapter 8 of the ICD-10-CM Tabular List.

Is H60.4 valid for 2026?

Yes, H60.4 is a valid ICD-10-CM code for the 2026 fiscal year, subject to official CMS updates.

See Also

← PreviousH60.399Other infective otitis externa, unspecified earNext →H60.40Cholesteatoma of external ear, unspecified ear
Code Details
H60.4
Cholesteatoma of external ear
Non-Billable / Non-Specific Code
8 — Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
H60-H62 — Diseases of external ear
2026 ICD-10-CM