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ICD-10 Coding for Benign Positional Vertigo(H81.11, H81.12, H81.13, H81.10)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benign Positional Vertigo. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional VertigoBPPV

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Positional Vertigo

H81.1Primary Range

Benign paroxysmal vertigo

This range includes specific codes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with laterality.

Dizziness and giddiness

Used when vertigo is suspected but not confirmed, pending further diagnostic testing.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H81.11Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right earUse when BPPV is confirmed in the right ear through clinical testing.
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test with nystagmus on right side
H81.12Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left earUse when BPPV is confirmed in the left ear through clinical testing.
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test with nystagmus on left side
H81.13Benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateralUse when BPPV is confirmed in both ears through clinical testing.
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test with nystagmus on both sides
H81.10Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified earUse only when laterality cannot be determined after testing.
  • Symptoms suggest BPPV but laterality not determined

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for benign positional vertigo

Essential facts and insights about Benign Positional Vertigo

The ICD-10 code for benign positional vertigo is H81.1-, with specific codes for right (H81.11), left (H81.12), and bilateral (H81.13) involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for benign positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed right-sided BPPV through testing

Applicable To

  • BPPV affecting the right ear

Excludes

  • Central vertigo

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test with nystagmus on right side

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Dizziness and giddiness

R42
Use if symptoms are present but BPPV is not yet confirmed.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Other disorders of vestibular function

H81.8
Use when vestibular disorder is not specifically BPPV.

Unspecified disorder of vestibular function

H81.9
Use when vestibular disorder is not specifically identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benign Positional Vertigo to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H81.11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials due to unspecified coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Always confirm and document the affected ear., Use specific codes for right, left, or bilateral involvement.

Impact

Reimbursement: Unspecified codes may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is documented and use specific codes like H81.11, H81.12, or H81.13.

Impact

Reimbursement: May affect reimbursement if symptoms are not updated to a diagnosis., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding transition rules., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.

Mitigation Strategy

Transition to H81.1- series once BPPV is confirmed.

Impact

Using unspecified codes like H81.10 increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is documented and use specific codes.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Benign Positional Vertigo, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Positional Vertigo

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Benign Positional Vertigo. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Confirmed Right-Sided BPPV

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of vertigo
  • Dix-Hallpike test results
  • Laterality of symptoms
  • Absence of central causes

Example Documentation

45F presents with 2-week history of vertigo lasting <1 minute when turning head right. Dix-Hallpike test showed right-beating nystagmus after 10-second latency. No hearing loss or tinnitus. Diagnosed with right BPPV.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient reports dizziness.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports vertigo lasting <1 minute when turning head right. Dix-Hallpike test positive for right-beating nystagmus.
Explanation
The good example specifies the trigger, duration, and test results, providing a complete clinical picture.

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