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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesChapter 8: Diseases of the ear and mastoid processH81

H81

Billable

Disorders of vestibular function

Chapter 8:Diseases of the ear and mastoid process

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/12/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H81 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of disorders of vestibular function.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Disorders of vestibular function encompass a range of conditions that affect the inner ear's ability to maintain balance and spatial orientation. These disorders can arise from various etiologies, including infections (such as vestibular neuritis), trauma, and degenerative diseases. Patients may present with symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, and hearing loss. Diagnostic criteria often involve clinical evaluation, audiometric testing, and imaging studies to rule out other conditions. Management may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications for symptom relief, and in some cases, surgical interventions like labyrinthectomy or vestibular nerve section. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of these conditions, as they can significantly impact a patient's quality of life.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes (e.g., infections, trauma, degenerative conditions)
  • Overlap with other ear-related codes (e.g., hearing loss, otitis)
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and diagnostic tests
  • Misclassification of vestibular disorders as other ear conditions
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions
  • Inconsistent use of codes for surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, audiometric results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with vertigo, tinnitus, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific vestibular disorder and any surgical interventions performed.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and differential diagnoses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with dizziness and neurological symptoms requiring further evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological assessments that may differentiate vestibular disorders from other conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the specific vestibular disorder
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbidities and ensure that the clinical documentation supports the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81 When
  • Exclude conditions that do not meet the criteria for vestibular disorders

Related CPT Codes

92540CPT Code

Caloric vestibular test

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess vestibular function in patients with dizziness.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the test and results.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the test results correlate with the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. This specificity aids in better patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of vestibular disorders?

Common symptoms include vertigo, dizziness, imbalance, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Patients may experience episodes of spinning or a sensation of motion when stationary.