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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.91

H81.91

Billable

Unspecified disorder of vestibular function, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified disorder of vestibular function, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H81.91 refers to an unspecified disorder of vestibular function affecting the right ear. This condition encompasses a range of vestibular dysfunctions that may lead to symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, and vertigo. The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. Disorders can arise from various etiologies, including infections, trauma, or idiopathic causes. Patients may present with complaints of spinning sensations, difficulty walking, or feeling unsteady, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Diagnostic evaluation typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and may include vestibular function tests such as electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG). Management strategies may vary based on the underlying cause and can include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications for symptom control, or surgical interventions in more severe cases. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
  • Potential overlap with other vestibular disorders
  • Documentation requirements for specifying right ear involvement

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify right ear involvement
  • Misuse of unspecified codes when a more specific diagnosis exists
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, results of vestibular testing, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation specifies the right ear and includes any relevant imaging or test results.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, differential diagnoses considered, and management plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vestibular symptoms potentially related to neurological conditions.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological assessments performed to rule out central causes of vestibular dysfunction.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.91 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used only when the specific disorder of vestibular function is not identified
  • Include documentation of symptoms and any diagnostic tests performed

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.91 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92540CPT Code

Electronystagmography (ENG)

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate vestibular function in patients with dizziness.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the test and the findings.

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 diagnosis and treatment tracking. H81.91 provides a means to code for unspecified vestibular dysfunction, which can help in identifying trends in patient care.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H81.91 provides a means to code for unspecified vestibular dysfunction, which can help in identifying trends in patient care.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and compliance.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use H81.91?

Use H81.91 when a patient presents with vestibular dysfunction affecting the right ear, and no specific diagnosis has been established after thorough evaluation.