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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH83.09

H83.09

Billable

Labyrinthitis, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H83.09 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of labyrinthitis, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Labyrinthitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the inner ear, specifically the labyrinth, which is responsible for balance and hearing. This condition can arise from various etiologies, including viral infections (such as those associated with upper respiratory infections), bacterial infections, or autoimmune disorders. Patients with labyrinthitis may present with symptoms such as vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause of labyrinthitis is not documented, which can complicate treatment and management. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, including patient history, physical examination, and possibly imaging studies or audiometric testing to assess hearing function. Management may include symptomatic treatment with medications such as antihistamines, antiemetics, or corticosteroids, depending on the severity and underlying cause. In some cases, referral to an otolaryngologist may be necessary for further evaluation and management.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the condition can lead to ambiguity in coding.
  • Differentiating labyrinthitis from other vestibular disorders can be challenging.
  • Requires comprehensive documentation to support the diagnosis.
  • Potential overlap with other ear-related conditions may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation to support the diagnosis of labyrinthitis.
  • Failure to specify the underlying cause when known.
  • Inconsistent coding of related conditions (e.g., otitis media).
  • Lack of clarity in the clinical notes regarding symptoms and treatment.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, and results of any imaging or audiometric tests.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with vertigo, hearing loss, or tinnitus following a viral upper respiratory infection.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly indicates the symptoms and any diagnostic tests performed to support the diagnosis.

Primary Care

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history and physical examination, including symptom duration and severity.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with acute onset of dizziness and hearing changes, often after a cold or flu.

Billing Considerations

Document any referrals made to specialists for further evaluation.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H83.09 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, labyrinthitis is classified under diseases of the inner ear
  • The unspecified code should be used when the specific cause is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H83.09 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92557CPT Code

Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess hearing loss in patients diagnosed with labyrinthitis.

Documentation Requirements

Document the results of the audiometric evaluation and any relevant symptoms.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that the audiometry results are clearly linked to 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 labyrinthitis, enabling better tracking of the condition's causes and outcomes. However, the unspecified code can lead to challenges in data analysis and treatment planning.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of labyrinthitis, enabling better tracking of the condition's causes and outcomes. However, the unspecified code can lead to challenges in data analysis and treatment planning.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of labyrinthitis?

Common causes of labyrinthitis include viral infections, bacterial infections, and autoimmune disorders. It can also occur following head trauma or as a complication of other ear diseases.