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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH83.19

H83.19

Billable

Labyrinthine fistula, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H83.19 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of labyrinthine fistula, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A labyrinthine fistula is an abnormal connection between the inner ear (labyrinth) and the surrounding structures, often resulting from chronic otitis media, trauma, or surgical interventions. This condition can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus. The labyrinth is responsible for both hearing and balance, and a fistula can disrupt these functions. Patients may present with sudden changes in hearing, episodes of dizziness, or a sensation of spinning. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, including audiometric testing, vestibular function tests, and imaging studies such as CT or MRI to visualize the inner ear structures. Management may include surgical intervention to repair the fistula, especially if conservative measures fail. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific ear affected is not documented, which can complicate treatment planning and outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Unspecified nature of the condition can lead to ambiguity in treatment.
  • Requires thorough documentation to support the diagnosis.
  • Potential overlap with other ear conditions complicates coding.
  • Variability in clinical presentation may affect coding accuracy.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of clinical findings.
  • Failure to specify the affected ear.
  • Misuse of unspecified codes leading to denials.
  • Inconsistent coding practices across providers.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of ear symptoms, audiometric results, and imaging studies.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with chronic ear infections, sudden hearing loss, or vertigo.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the clinical rationale for surgical intervention.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive audiological evaluations and vestibular assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing hearing assessments post-otitis media or trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between audiological findings and the labyrinthine fistula.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H83.19 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation
  • The unspecified nature of H83
  • 19 should only be used when the specific ear cannot be determined
  • Ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H83.19 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

69631CPT Code

Labyrinthine fistula repair

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed to repair the fistula.

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should document the rationale for surgery and any pre-operative evaluations.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of labyrinthine fistulas, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. However, the unspecified nature of H83.19 can lead to challenges in clinical management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of labyrinthine fistulas, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions. However, the unspecified nature of H83.19 can lead to challenges in clinical management and reimbursement.

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 are the common symptoms of a labyrinthine fistula?

Common symptoms include hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus, often exacerbated by changes in pressure or head position.

How is a labyrinthine fistula diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, audiometric testing, and imaging studies such as CT or MRI.

What are the treatment options for labyrinthine fistula?

Treatment may include conservative management or surgical repair, depending on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.