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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.312

H81.312

Billable

Aural vertigo, left ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.312 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of aural vertigo, left ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Aural vertigo, specifically affecting the left ear, is characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness that originates from disturbances in the vestibular system of the inner ear. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, or labyrinthitis. Patients may experience symptoms such as imbalance, nausea, and tinnitus, which can significantly impact their quality of life. The diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and vestibular function tests. Management may involve medications to alleviate symptoms, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or surgical interventions in severe cases. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes, as aural vertigo can be associated with other ear disorders, necessitating careful documentation and coding practices.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of vertigo and their underlying causes.
  • Potential overlap with other vestibular disorders requiring precise documentation.
  • Need for comprehensive patient history to support diagnosis.
  • Variability in treatment approaches based on etiology.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and their duration.
  • Failure to specify the affected ear.
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests.
  • Misalignment between diagnosis and treatment provided.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, physical examination findings, and results of vestibular tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with dizziness, hearing loss, or tinnitus.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the specific type of vertigo and any associated ear conditions.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging studies, and differential diagnoses.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vertigo of central origin or those with complex neurological symptoms.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological deficits that may accompany vertigo.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.312 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, H81
  • 312 should be used when a patient presents with aural vertigo specifically affecting the left ear
  • It is important to document the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as any relevant medical history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.312 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not specifically relate to aural vertigo

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92540CPT Code

Vestibular function tests

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with aural vertigo.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of tests performed and results.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure tests align 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 vertigo conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H81.312 provides a clear distinction for left-sided aural vertigo, which aids in clinical management and research.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertigo conditions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. H81.312 provides a clear distinction for left-sided aural vertigo, which aids in clinical management and research.

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 H81.312 and H81.311?

H81.312 refers specifically to aural vertigo affecting the left ear, while H81.311 pertains to the right ear. Accurate coding is crucial for treatment and management.