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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH93.19

H93.19

Billable

Tinnitus, unspecified ear

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H93.19 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tinnitus, unspecified ear.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present, often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking in the ears. It can be a symptom of various underlying conditions affecting the auditory system, including hearing loss, ear infections, or exposure to loud noises. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the clinician has not determined the specific cause of the tinnitus. Patients may present with varying degrees of severity, and the condition can significantly impact quality of life, leading to difficulties in concentration, sleep disturbances, and emotional distress. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough patient history, audiometric testing, and possibly imaging studies to rule out other conditions. Management strategies may include sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications, but there is no definitive cure for tinnitus. Understanding the underlying etiology is crucial for effective management and patient education.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in patient presentation and symptom severity
  • Need for comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
  • Potential overlap with other auditory disorders
  • Documentation of associated conditions or risk factors

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the tinnitus etiology
  • Failure to document associated conditions
  • Lack of clarity in treatment plans
  • Inconsistent coding practices among providers

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Otolaryngology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed patient history, audiometric test results, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with tinnitus following noise exposure, ear infections, or sudden hearing loss.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the comprehensive evaluation of the auditory system and any associated conditions.

Audiology

Documentation Requirements

Results of hearing tests, patient-reported outcomes, and any interventions provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Assessment of tinnitus in patients with hearing loss or those seeking sound therapy.

Billing Considerations

Document the impact of tinnitus on daily functioning and any counseling provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use H93.19 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, H93
  • 19 should be used when the specific cause of tinnitus is not documented
  • Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical information is captured to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use H93.19 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

92552CPT Code

Pure tone audiometry

Clinical Scenario

Used to assess hearing loss in patients with tinnitus.

Documentation Requirements

Document the results of the audiometric evaluation and any patient-reported outcomes.

Specialty Considerations

Otolaryngologists and audiologists should ensure comprehensive documentation of the evaluation process.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding tinnitus, enabling better tracking of the condition and its associated factors. H93.19 serves as a catch-all for cases where the etiology is not clearly defined, but it is essential to strive for more specific coding when possible.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding tinnitus, enabling better tracking of the condition and its associated factors. H93.19 serves as a catch-all for cases where the etiology is not clearly defined, but it is essential to strive for more specific coding when possible.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specificity in coding tinnitus, enabling better tracking of the condition and its associated factors. H93.19 serves as a catch-all for cases where the etiology is not clearly defined, but it is essential to strive for more specific coding when possible.

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 should I document to support the use of H93.19?

Document the patient's history, any audiometric testing results, and the impact of tinnitus on their daily life. Include any associated conditions or treatments provided.