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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH94.00

H94.00

Billable

Acoustic neuritis in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H94.00 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of acoustic neuritis in infectious and parasitic diseases classified elsewhere, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Acoustic neuritis refers to inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII), which can occur as a complication of various infectious and parasitic diseases. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disturbances. The unspecified ear designation indicates that the affected ear is not specified, which can complicate diagnosis and treatment. Acoustic neuritis may arise from viral infections (e.g., herpes zoster), bacterial infections (e.g., syphilis), or parasitic infections (e.g., toxoplasmosis). Clinically, patients may present with sudden onset of hearing impairment, vertigo, and auditory hallucinations. Diagnosis typically involves audiometric testing, imaging studies (such as MRI), and a thorough review of the patient's medical history to identify any underlying infectious or parasitic conditions. Management may include antiviral or antibiotic therapy, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and supportive care for hearing and balance issues. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of infectious and parasitic diseases that can cause acoustic neuritis.
  • Differentiation from other types of hearing loss and vestibular disorders.
  • Need for precise documentation of the underlying infectious condition.
  • Unspecified ear designation may lead to ambiguity in coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the underlying infectious disease.
  • Failure to specify the affected ear when applicable.
  • Misclassification of the type of hearing loss.
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, diagnostic tests performed, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sudden hearing loss and vertigo following a viral infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the underlying infectious cause is documented to support the use of H94.00.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of the infectious disease process and its relation to acoustic neuritis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with known infectious diseases presenting with neurological symptoms affecting hearing.

Billing Considerations

Collaboration with otolaryngology for accurate diagnosis and coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H94.00 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H94
  • 00 should be used when acoustic neuritis is confirmed as a complication of an infectious or parasitic disease classified elsewhere
  • Coders must ensure that the underlying condition is documented and that the symptoms align with the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H94.00 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 acoustic neuritis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the results of audiometric testing and any relevant history.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure thorough documentation of hearing assessments.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acoustic neuritis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acoustic neuritis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like acoustic neuritis, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. This specificity aids in better tracking of disease prevalence and outcomes.

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

What are the common causes of acoustic neuritis?

Common causes include viral infections such as herpes zoster, bacterial infections like syphilis, and parasitic infections such as toxoplasmosis.

How is acoustic neuritis diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical evaluation, audiometric testing, and imaging studies to rule out other conditions.

What treatments are available for acoustic neuritis?

Treatment may include antiviral or antibiotic medications, corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and supportive care for hearing and balance issues.