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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH83.91

H83.91

Billable

Unspecified disease of right inner ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H83.91 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified disease of right inner ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code H83.91 refers to an unspecified disease of the right inner ear, which encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the inner ear structures, including the cochlea and vestibular system. These diseases can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, balance disorders, and tinnitus. Common causes include infections (like labyrinthitis), autoimmune inner ear disease, and vestibular neuritis. Clinical presentation may vary widely, with patients reporting dizziness, vertigo, and fluctuating hearing loss. Diagnostic criteria typically involve audiometric testing, vestibular function tests, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to rule out structural abnormalities. Management strategies depend on the underlying cause and may include medications (e.g., corticosteroids for inflammation), physical therapy for vestibular rehabilitation, or surgical interventions in cases of severe dysfunction. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement, as the unspecified nature of this code may lead to challenges in justifying the medical necessity of services rendered.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and symptoms
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic testing
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions
  • Documentation requirements for unspecified conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the nature of the inner ear disease
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests
  • Inconsistent coding with clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, physical examination findings, and results of diagnostic tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with vertigo, hearing loss, or tinnitus without a clear diagnosis.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all symptoms are documented and that the rationale for using an unspecified code is clear.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric test results, patient history, and any referrals for further evaluation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments with unclear etiology of hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Document the extent of hearing loss and any interventions attempted.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H83.91 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H83
  • 91 should be used when the specific disease of the right inner ear is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the medical record supports the use of this unspecified code and that all other potential diagnoses have been ruled out

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H83.91 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92557CPT Code

Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with suspected inner ear disease.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for the audiometric evaluation and any findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists and audiologists should ensure that the evaluation correlates with the diagnosis.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but the use of unspecified codes like H83.91 remains common. Coders must ensure that they are using this code appropriately and that the medical record supports its use.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but the use of unspecified codes like H83.91 remains common. Coders must ensure that they are using this code appropriately and that the medical record supports its use.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding, but the use of unspecified codes like H83.91 remains common. Coders must ensure that they are using this code appropriately and that the medical record supports its use.

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 H83.91?

H83.91 should be used when a patient presents with symptoms of inner ear disease, but the specific diagnosis cannot be determined after thorough evaluation and testing.