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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.09

H81.09

Billable

Ménière's disease, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.09 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of ménière's disease, unspecified ear.

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. The exact etiology remains unclear, but it is believed to involve abnormal fluid dynamics in the inner ear. Patients typically experience recurrent episodes of vertigo that can last from 20 minutes to several hours, often accompanied by fluctuating hearing loss that may progress to permanent loss 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, often supported by audiometric testing and vestibular function tests. Management may include dietary modifications, medications for symptom relief, and in some cases, surgical interventions to alleviate severe symptoms. The unspecified ear designation indicates that the condition has not been localized to a specific ear, which can complicate treatment and management strategies.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in symptom presentation among patients
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and history
  • Potential overlap with other vestibular disorders
  • Differentiation from other causes of hearing loss and vertigo

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and treatment plans
  • Failure to specify ear involvement when applicable
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of similar vestibular disorders
  • Lack of follow-up documentation for chronic conditions

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 ear involvement and response to treatments.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological assessments, imaging studies, and differential diagnosis documentation.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vestibular symptoms requiring neurological evaluation.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological findings that may differentiate Ménière's from other conditions.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.09 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H81
  • 09 is used when Ménière's disease is diagnosed without specifying the ear
  • It is important to document the clinical findings and any diagnostic tests performed to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.09 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92557CPT Code

Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess hearing loss in patients with suspected Ménière's disease.

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric test results must be documented in the patient's record.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all relevant findings are included.

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, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. The specificity of codes helps in better understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of Ménière's disease, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. The specificity of codes helps in better understanding the prevalence and treatment outcomes.

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 primary symptoms of Ménière's disease?

The primary symptoms include recurrent episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, fluctuating hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear.

How is Ménière's disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and symptomatology, often supported by audiometric testing and vestibular function tests.

What are the treatment options for Ménière's disease?

Treatment options include dietary modifications, medications for symptom relief, and surgical interventions in severe cases.