H70.81 – Postauricular fistula

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Diseases of middle ear and mastoid

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code H70.81

Code: H70.81 (claims format: H7081)
Description: Postauricular fistula
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 8. Diseases of the ear and mastoid process (H60-H95)
Block: H65-H75 Diseases of middle ear and mastoid
Parent codes: H70 › H70.8

Billable codes under H70.81

H70.81 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

H70.811 – Postauricular fistula, right earBillable
H70.812 – Postauricular fistula, left earBillable
H70.813 – Postauricular fistula, bilateralBillable
H70.819 – Postauricular fistula, unspecified earBillable

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

H70.8 – Other mastoiditis and related conditions

Excludes1 (not coded here):

preauricular sinus and cyst (Q18.1)
sinus, fistula, and cyst of branchial cleft (Q18.0)

Index terms for H70.81

Entries in the ICD-10-CM alphabetic index that lead to this code:

Fistula, postauricular

Related codes in H70.8

H70.89 – Other mastoiditis and related conditionsHeader

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code H70.81?

H70.81 is the ICD-10-CM code for postauricular fistula, in the block H65-H75 (Diseases of middle ear and mastoid).

Is H70.81 a billable code?

No. H70.81 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does H70.81 belong to?

It belongs to category H70 – Mastoiditis and related conditions.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.