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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.03

H81.03

Billable

Ménière's disease, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.03 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ménière's disease, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Ménière's disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Bilateral Ménière's disease indicates that both ears are affected. The condition is thought to be caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, which disrupts the normal functioning of the vestibular and auditory systems. Patients typically experience recurrent episodes of vertigo that can last from 20 minutes to several hours, often accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss that may become permanent over time. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is also a common symptom. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and symptomatology, but may include audiometric testing and vestibular function tests. Management strategies include dietary modifications, diuretics, vestibular rehabilitation, and in some cases, surgical interventions such as endolymphatic sac decompression or vestibular nerve section. The chronic nature of the disease and its impact on quality of life necessitate a comprehensive approach to treatment and ongoing monitoring.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between unilateral and bilateral presentations
  • Variability in symptom presentation and severity
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of clinical findings
  • Potential for co-morbid vestibular disorders

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral symptoms
  • Failure to document the duration and frequency of episodes
  • Misclassification of unilateral versus bilateral disease
  • Lack of supporting evidence for surgical interventions

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, audiometric test results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of bilateral involvement and any surgical interventions performed.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiometric evaluations and patient symptom diaries.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments and vestibular testing.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of hearing loss on daily activities and any recommendations for hearing aids or assistive devices.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.03 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H81
  • 03 should be used when both ears are affected by Ménière's disease
  • Coders must ensure that documentation supports the bilateral diagnosis and that any associated conditions are accurately captured

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.03 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69540CPT Code

Endolymphatic sac decompression

Clinical Scenario

Used for patients with severe bilateral Ménière's disease who do not respond to conservative management.

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports detailing the procedure and indications for surgery.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all pre-operative evaluations are documented.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Ménière's disease, enabling better tracking of bilateral cases and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Ménière's disease, enabling better tracking of bilateral cases and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 key symptoms of bilateral Ménière's disease?

Key symptoms include recurrent episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ears.

How is bilateral Ménière's disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on clinical history, audiometric testing, and vestibular function assessments, confirming bilateral involvement.

What management options are available for bilateral Ménière's disease?

Management may include dietary changes, diuretics, vestibular rehabilitation, and surgical options for severe cases.