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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Ear Pain(H92.03)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Ear Pain. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Bilateral OtalgiaPain in Both Earsearache both ears

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Ear Pain

H92-H92.9Primary Range

Other disorders of ear, not elsewhere classified

This range includes codes for ear pain, specifically H92.03 for bilateral ear pain.

Diseases of middle ear and mastoid

This range includes codes for otitis media, which can cause bilateral ear pain.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bilateral ear pain

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Ear Pain

The ICD-10 code for bilateral ear pain is H92.03, used when pain is present in both ears without a specific underlying condition.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for bilateral ear pain

Bilateral otalgia
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Bilateral ear pain with no other symptoms

documentation Criteria

  • Explicit documentation of bilateral pain

Applicable To

  • Pain in both ears

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented bilateral ear pain
  • Normal otoscopic examination

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-coding if underlying cause is not identified

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented as bilateral.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute suppurative otitis media, bilateral

H66.93
Use when there is evidence of infection causing the ear pain.

Differential Codes

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

Acute serous otitis media, bilateral

H65.03
Use if otoscopic exam shows fluid in the middle ear.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Ear Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H92.03.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 specificity, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality as bilateral with H92.03

Impact

Claims may be audited for lack of laterality specification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all documentation includes laterality.

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 Bilateral Ear Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Ear Pain

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Ear Pain. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

ENT evaluation for bilateral ear pain

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Otoscopy findings
  • Pain assessment

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral ear pain, 6/10 on pain scale, normal tympanic membranes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Ear pain noted.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral ear pain, 6/10, normal otoscopy.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and includes exam findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Bilateral Ear Pain? Ask your questions below.

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