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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.319

H81.319

Billable

Aural vertigo, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.319 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of aural vertigo, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Aural vertigo, classified under ICD-10 code H81.319, refers to a sensation of spinning or dizziness that originates from the inner ear, without specification of which ear is affected. This condition is often associated with vestibular disorders, which can arise from various etiologies including infections, trauma, or idiopathic causes. Patients may experience symptoms such as imbalance, nausea, and tinnitus. The clinical presentation can vary widely, and a thorough history and physical examination are essential for diagnosis. Diagnostic criteria may include audiometric testing, vestibular function tests, and imaging studies to rule out other causes of vertigo. Management typically involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include medications for symptom relief, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, or surgical interventions in more severe cases. Accurate coding is crucial for proper reimbursement and tracking of healthcare outcomes, making it essential for coders to understand the nuances of this condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in clinical presentation and underlying causes
  • Need for differential diagnosis to rule out other vestibular disorders
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding
  • Documentation requirements for specifying symptoms and duration

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and duration
  • Failure to specify the ear involved when applicable
  • Misclassification of vertigo type (e.g., peripheral vs. central)
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests in the medical record

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sudden onset vertigo, recurrent episodes of dizziness, or associated hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

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

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive neurological examination and assessment of vestibular function.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vertigo associated with neurological symptoms such as headache or visual disturbances.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.319 When
  • According to official coding guidelines, H81
  • 319 should be used when a patient presents with aural vertigo without a specified ear
  • Coders should ensure that the medical record supports the diagnosis and that all relevant symptoms are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.319 When
  • Exclusion criteria include cases where vertigo is secondary to other conditions

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92540CPT Code

Vestibular function tests

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with aural vertigo to assess vestibular function.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific tests performed and the rationale for their use.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the 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 vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H81.319 provides a clear classification for 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 vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H81.319 provides a clear classification for 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 H81.319 and H81.31?

H81.319 is used for unspecified ear involvement, while H81.31 specifies aural vertigo in the right ear. Accurate coding depends on the documentation of the affected ear.