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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH83.9

H83.9

Billable

Unspecified disease of inner ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H83.9 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified disease of inner ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The ICD-10 code H83.9 refers to an unspecified disease of the inner ear, which encompasses a variety of conditions affecting the inner ear structures, including the cochlea and vestibular system. These diseases can lead to symptoms such as hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and balance disorders. The inner ear is crucial for both hearing and maintaining equilibrium, and dysfunction can arise from various etiologies, including infections (such as labyrinthitis), autoimmune disorders, trauma, or idiopathic causes. Clinical presentation may vary widely, with patients experiencing sudden or gradual onset of symptoms. Diagnostic criteria typically involve a thorough clinical history, audiometric testing, and imaging studies when indicated. Management strategies depend on the underlying cause and may include medical treatment, surgical interventions, or rehabilitation therapies. Due to the broad nature of this code, it is essential for coders to ensure that sufficient documentation supports the diagnosis, as unspecified codes can lead to increased scrutiny during audits.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Broad range of potential underlying conditions
  • Variability in clinical presentation
  • Need for comprehensive documentation to support unspecified diagnosis
  • Potential overlap with other ear-related codes

Audit Risk Factors

  • Use of unspecified codes without adequate documentation
  • Inconsistent clinical findings in the medical record
  • Lack of follow-up documentation or treatment plans
  • Inadequate justification for the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical history, audiometric results, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with unexplained hearing loss, tinnitus, or balance issues.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests and their results are documented to support the unspecified diagnosis.

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with vestibular disorders presenting with dizziness and balance issues.

Billing Considerations

Document any neurological assessments performed to rule out central causes of vestibular symptoms.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H83.9 When
  • According to the official coding guidelines, H83
  • 9 should be used when the specific disease of the inner ear is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that the medical record reflects the reason for the unspecified diagnosis and that all relevant tests and evaluations are documented

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H83.9 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92557CPT Code

Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition

Clinical Scenario

Used when evaluating a patient with suspected inner ear disease.

Documentation Requirements

Audiometric results must be documented in the medical record.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists should ensure that all relevant findings are included in the report.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like H83.9 remains common. Coders must ensure that documentation is thorough to avoid potential audit issues.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like H83.9 remains common. Coders must ensure that documentation is thorough to avoid potential audit issues.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding, but the use of unspecified codes like H83.9 remains common. Coders must ensure that documentation is thorough to avoid potential audit issues.

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 H83.9?

H83.9 should be used when there is an unspecified disease of the inner ear, and the medical record does not provide a more specific diagnosis.