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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.11

H81.11

Billable

Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPV) is a common vestibular disorder characterized by brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. It is caused by dislodged otoliths (calcium carbonate crystals) that migrate into the semicircular canals of the inner ear, particularly affecting the right ear in this case. Patients typically experience sudden, intense spinning sensations that can last from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. Symptoms may be exacerbated by changes in head position, such as rolling over in bed or looking up. The condition is often diagnosed through clinical history and physical examination, particularly the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which can reproduce vertiginous symptoms. Management primarily involves vestibular rehabilitation therapy and repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, aimed at relocating the displaced otoliths. BPV is generally self-limiting, but recurrent episodes may necessitate further evaluation to rule out other vestibular disorders. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the patient's clinical status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiation from other vestibular disorders
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and triggers
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and triggers
  • Failure to specify the affected ear
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of related vestibular disorders
  • Lack of supporting clinical evidence for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of vertiginous episodes, results of vestibular testing, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent vertigo, postural instability, or complaints of dizziness.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation specifies the right ear involvement and any associated symptoms.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological examination findings, differential diagnoses considered, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vertigo who may have central causes of dizziness needing differentiation from BPV.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological signs that may indicate a need for further investigation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.11 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H81
  • 11 should be used when the clinical documentation clearly indicates benign paroxysmal vertigo localized to the right ear

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.11 When
  • Exclusion criteria include other types of vertigo or vestibular disorders that do not fit this diagnosis

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92531CPT Code

Caloric vestibular testing

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess vestibular function in patients with vertigo.

Documentation Requirements

Document the rationale for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists may perform this test to differentiate BPV from other vestibular disorders.

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 diagnoses and treatment tracking. H81.11 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H81.11 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H81.11 provides specificity that was not available in ICD-9.

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 common triggers for benign paroxysmal vertigo?

Common triggers include specific head movements such as tilting the head back, rolling over in bed, or looking up. These movements can cause the dislodged otoliths to stimulate the vestibular system, leading to vertigo.