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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.399

H81.399

Billable

Other peripheral vertigo, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.399 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other peripheral vertigo, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H81.399 refers to other types of peripheral vertigo that cannot be classified under more specific categories. Peripheral vertigo is characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness due to issues in the inner ear or vestibular system. Common causes include vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and labyrinthitis. Patients may present with symptoms such as dizziness, imbalance, nausea, and sometimes hearing loss. The diagnosis is typically made through clinical evaluation, including a thorough history and physical examination, and may involve vestibular testing. Management often includes vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications for symptom relief, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the complexity of the patient's condition.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes for peripheral vertigo
  • Overlap with other vertigo-related codes
  • Need for precise documentation of symptoms and history
  • Potential for misdiagnosis with central vertigo

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms
  • Failure to specify the type of vertigo
  • Misuse of related codes
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic tests

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of vertigo episodes, physical examination findings, and results from vestibular testing.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with recurrent dizziness, imbalance, or hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

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

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vertigo symptoms that may have a central cause.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological deficits to differentiate from peripheral causes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.399 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used when the specific cause of peripheral vertigo is not documented
  • Include any relevant symptoms and history in the medical record

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.399 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92540CPT Code

Vestibular function tests

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate the cause of vertigo symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Document the specific tests performed and the rationale for testing.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists often perform these tests to assess vestibular function.

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 ability to capture the complexity of vestibular disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertigo conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of vestibular disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertigo conditions, improving the ability to capture the complexity of vestibular disorders.

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

When should I use H81.399?

Use H81.399 when the patient presents with peripheral vertigo that does not fit into a more specific category, and ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis.