Diseases of inner ear
ICD-10 Codes (58)
H81H81.0H81.01H81.02H81.03H81.09H81.1H81.10H81.11H81.12H81.13H81.2H81.20H81.21H81.22H81.23H81.3H81.31H81.311H81.312H81.313H81.319H81.39H81.391H81.392H81.393H81.399H81.4H81.8H81.9H81.90H81.91H81.92H81.93H82H82.1H82.2H82.3H82.9H83H83.0H83.01H83.02H83.03H83.09H83.1H83.11H83.12H83.13H83.19H83.2H83.3H83.8H83.9H83.90H83.91H83.92H83.93Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
No significant changes for FY 2026
This range maintains stability with current coding practices
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for H80-H83 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range H80-H83 encompasses diseases of the inner ear. This includes conditions such as otosclerosis (H80), Meniere's disease (H81), and other peripheral vertigo (H81.3). These codes are used to accurately document diagnoses related to inner ear disorders, which can affect balance and hearing. The codes can be further specified with additional digits to provide more detailed information about the condition, such as whether it's unilateral or bilateral, and the patient's encounter type.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always use the most specific code available within the H80-H83 range.
- •Remember to include additional codes to identify any associated conditions.
- •Use additional code to identify exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22).
- •For bilateral conditions, if no bilateral code is provided and the condition is bilateral, assign separate codes for both the left and right side.
- •For aftercare of the diseases of inner ear, use a follow-up code (Z09) as additional code.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓When a patient is diagnosed with a disease of the inner ear.
- ✓When a patient has a follow-up visit after treatment for a disease of the inner ear.
- ✓When a patient has a complication or manifestation of a disease of the inner ear.
- ✓When a patient is exposed to environmental factors that may exacerbate a disease of the inner ear.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗When a patient has a condition that affects the outer or middle ear, not the inner ear.
- ✗When a patient has a symptom related to the ear but no definitive diagnosis has been made.
- ✗When a patient has a history of an inner ear disease but no current diagnosis.
- ✗When a patient has a non-specific ear disorder.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions against the patient's medical record and the latest ICD-10-CM official guidelines.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for diseases of the inner ear should include a clear diagnosis, details about the condition's severity, laterality, any associated conditions, and the patient's encounter type. It should also include any relevant history, examination findings, and treatment plans.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific diagnosis of the inner ear disease
- •Severity of the condition
- •Laterality (if applicable)
- •Associated conditions or complications
- •Type of encounter (initial, subsequent, sequela)
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Results of audiological and vestibular tests
- •Treatment plans or notes on management of the condition
Good Documentation Example:
Patient diagnosed with bilateral otosclerosis, severe, with a history of vertigo. Undergoing stapedectomy.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has ear problems.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not specifying the laterality of the condition
- ⚠Failing to document the severity of the condition
- ⚠Not including associated conditions or complications
- ⚠Not indicating the type of encounter
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for diseases of the inner ear presents a medium level of complexity. Coders must be able to accurately identify the specific type of inner ear disease, understand the importance of laterality, and navigate any associated conditions or complications. Additionally, staying current with updates to the ICD-10-CM guidelines is crucial for accurate coding.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of inner ear disease
- ▸Identifying associated conditions or complications
- ▸Understanding the importance of laterality
- ▸Keeping up-to-date with changes and updates to the ICD-10-CM guidelines
- ▸Navigating the nuances of the H80-H83 code range
Specialty Focus
The H80-H83 code range is primarily used by otolaryngologists, audiologists, and primary care providers. These professionals diagnose and manage diseases of the inner ear, which can impact hearing and balance.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • A patient with a history of vertigo diagnosed with Meniere's disease.
- • A patient with progressive hearing loss diagnosed with otosclerosis.
- • A patient with recurrent vertigo due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- • A patient with a vestibular schwannoma causing tinnitus and hearing loss.
- • A patient with labyrinthitis following a viral infection.
Resources & References
There are several resources available for coding diseases of the inner ear. These include the official ICD-10-CM guidelines, clinical reference materials, and educational resources.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
- National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Clinical References:
- American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Vestibular Disorders Association (VEDA)
Educational Materials:
- ICD-10-CM Coding Handbook
- Medical Coding Training: ICD-10-CM
- ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I code for bilateral conditions in the H80-H83 range?
If a bilateral code is available, use that code. If no bilateral code is provided and the condition is bilateral, assign separate codes for both the left and right side.
What additional codes should I use for diseases of the inner ear?
Use additional codes to identify any associated conditions, and to identify exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (Z77.22).
How do I code for a follow-up visit after treatment for a disease of the inner ear?
Use a follow-up code (Z09) as an additional code.