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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH91.93

H91.93

Billable

Unspecified hearing loss, bilateral

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H91.93 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified hearing loss, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Unspecified hearing loss, bilateral (H91.93) refers to a condition characterized by a reduction in the ability to hear in both ears without a specific diagnosis provided. This type of hearing loss can arise from various etiologies, including age-related changes, noise exposure, ototoxic medications, infections, or genetic factors. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as difficulty understanding speech, increased volume requirements for audio devices, and social withdrawal due to communication challenges. Diagnostic evaluation typically includes audiometric testing to determine the degree and type of hearing loss, alongside a thorough medical history and physical examination of the ear. Management may involve hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or referral for further evaluation by an otolaryngologist. Given the broad nature of this code, it is essential for healthcare providers to document the clinical context thoroughly to support the diagnosis and any associated treatments.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in underlying causes of hearing loss
  • Need for comprehensive audiometric testing
  • Potential overlap with other hearing loss codes
  • Documentation requirements for unspecified conditions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of hearing loss etiology
  • Lack of audiometric test results in the medical record
  • Inconsistent use of unspecified codes
  • Failure to document patient symptoms and functional impact

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed audiometric results, patient history, and physical examination findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with gradual hearing loss, sudden hearing changes, or post-infection hearing issues.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the hearing loss type and any interventions or referrals made.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiological evaluations and patient-reported outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Routine hearing assessments for patients with risk factors for hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Document the specific tests performed and their results to support the diagnosis.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H91.93 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H91
  • 93 should be used when the specific cause of bilateral hearing loss is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this unspecified code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H91.93 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 for hearing loss.

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric test results and patient history.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists and audiologists should ensure thorough documentation of findings.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hearing loss conditions, but the use of unspecified codes like H91.93 remains common. Coders must ensure they are using this code appropriately to avoid potential audits.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hearing loss conditions, but the use of unspecified codes like H91.93 remains common. Coders must ensure they are using this code appropriately to avoid potential audits.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of hearing loss conditions, but the use of unspecified codes like H91.93 remains common. Coders must ensure they are using this code appropriately to avoid potential audits.

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 H91.93?

Use H91.93 when a patient presents with bilateral hearing loss, and the specific cause is not documented. Ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support this diagnosis.