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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH81.8

H81.8

Billable

Other disorders of vestibular function

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H81.8 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other disorders of vestibular function.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H81.8 encompasses a variety of vestibular disorders that do not fall under more specific categories. These disorders can manifest as dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, or other disturbances in spatial orientation and balance. Common causes include vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and other non-specific vestibular dysfunctions. Patients may present with symptoms such as sudden onset of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, or a sensation of fullness in the ear. Diagnostic criteria often involve a thorough clinical history, physical examination, and may include vestibular function tests such as caloric testing, electronystagmography (ENG), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out central causes. Management may involve vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications for symptom control, or surgical interventions in severe cases. Accurate coding requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's clinical presentation and the exclusion of other specific vestibular disorders.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variety of underlying causes leading to similar symptoms
  • Need for differential diagnosis to exclude specific vestibular disorders
  • Potential overlap with other ear-related conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation among patients

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of symptoms and clinical findings
  • Failure to specify the nature of vestibular dysfunction
  • Misuse of related codes leading to incorrect billing
  • Lack of supporting diagnostic test results

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of symptoms, results of vestibular function tests, and any imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with vertigo, hearing loss, or tinnitus requiring evaluation for vestibular disorders.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation clearly differentiates between vestibular disorders and other ear conditions.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Neurological examination findings, imaging results, and differential diagnoses considered.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with dizziness and neurological symptoms needing assessment for central vestibular disorders.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological deficits to support the diagnosis and coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H81.8 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that H81
  • 8 is used only when specific vestibular disorders are ruled out
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including symptom duration and severity

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H81.8 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 dizziness.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists often perform this test to evaluate vestibular disorders.

92541CPT Code

Electronystagmography (ENG)

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate patients with unexplained vertigo.

Documentation Requirements

Include patient history and test results.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists may also utilize this test for differential 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. H81.8 provides a necessary code for unspecified vestibular dysfunctions that do not fit into more defined categories.

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. H81.8 provides a necessary code for unspecified vestibular dysfunctions that do not fit into more defined categories.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vestibular disorders, improving the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment tracking. H81.8 provides a necessary code for unspecified vestibular dysfunctions that do not fit into more defined categories.

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 symptoms are associated with H81.8?

Symptoms may include dizziness, imbalance, vertigo, and sometimes hearing loss or tinnitus, depending on the underlying cause.

How do I differentiate H81.8 from other vestibular codes?

Careful clinical evaluation and documentation of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and exclusion of specific vestibular disorders are essential for accurate coding.