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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.31

H81.31

Billable

Aural vertigo

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of aural vertigo.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Aural vertigo refers to a sensation of spinning or dizziness that originates from the inner ear, specifically related to vestibular dysfunction. This condition can arise from various underlying issues, including vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, or labyrinthitis. Patients may experience symptoms such as a spinning sensation, imbalance, nausea, and sometimes hearing loss. The clinical presentation can vary significantly, with some patients reporting episodic vertigo triggered by specific movements or changes in head position. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and may include vestibular function tests, audiometry, and imaging studies to rule out other causes of vertigo. Management strategies often include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications to alleviate symptoms, and in some cases, surgical interventions for underlying conditions. Accurate coding for aural vertigo is essential for proper treatment and reimbursement, as it reflects the complexity of the patient's condition and the care provided.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of vertigo (e.g., central vs. peripheral)
  • Need for comprehensive documentation of symptoms and triggers
  • Potential overlap with other vestibular disorders
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on underlying causes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the type of vertigo
  • Incorrect linkage of diagnosis to treatment procedures
  • Omission of associated conditions like hearing loss

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of vertigo episodes, audiometric results, and vestibular testing outcomes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent vertigo, hearing loss, or tinnitus.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the relationship between aural vertigo and any surgical interventions performed.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological examination findings, imaging results, and differential diagnosis considerations.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vertigo associated with neurological conditions such as migraines or multiple sclerosis.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological assessments that may differentiate central from peripheral causes of vertigo.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.31 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H81
  • 31 should be used when the vertigo is specifically attributed to aural causes
  • It is important to document the clinical findings that support this diagnosis and to consider any additional codes for associated conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.31 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92540CPT Code

Caloric vestibular testing

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess vestibular function in patients with aural vertigo.

Documentation Requirements

Document the rationale for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the test results correlate with the diagnosis.

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, including aural vertigo, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions and improves data accuracy for research and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, including aural vertigo, which enhances the ability to capture the complexity of these conditions and improves data accuracy for research and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 is the difference between aural vertigo and central vertigo?

Aural vertigo is caused by issues in the inner ear, while central vertigo originates from the central nervous system. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.