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

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

Also known as:

BPPVBenign Positional VertigoPositional Vertigobenign postural vertigo

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

H81.10-H81.13Primary Range

Disorders of vestibular function

This range includes specific codes for BPPV based on laterality and recurrence.

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 positional testing.
  • Positive right Dix-Hallpike with torsional upbeating nystagmus lasting <60s
H81.12Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left earUse when BPPV is confirmed in the left ear through positional testing.
  • Left lateral canal BPPV confirmed by supine roll test with geotropic nystagmus
H81.13Benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateralUse when BPPV is confirmed in both ears through positional testing.
  • Recurrent episodes affecting both ears, last treated with bilateral Gufoni maneuvers

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 BPPV

Essential facts and insights about Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

The ICD-10 code for BPPV is H81.11 for right ear, H81.12 for left ear, and H81.13 for bilateral.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bppv

Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test with specific nystagmus characteristics

Applicable To

  • Right ear BPPV confirmed by positional testing

Excludes

  • Epidemic vertigo (A88.1)
  • Vertigo NOS (R42)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive right Dix-Hallpike with torsional upbeating nystagmus lasting <60s

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 only if BPPV is ruled out.

Differential Codes

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

Dizziness and giddiness

R42
Use R42 if BPPV is ruled out after evaluation.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Benign Paroxysmal 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 misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all positional tests are documented with specific results., Train staff on the importance of detailed documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims if BPPV is not coded correctly., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on BPPV prevalence and treatment.

Mitigation Strategy

Document specific test results confirming BPPV and use the appropriate H81.1x code.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be downcoded or denied., Compliance: Failure to meet specificity requirements., Data Quality: Loss of data granularity regarding laterality.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes laterality to use the correct H81.1x code.

Impact

Failure to document the affected ear can lead to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement a checklist for documentation that 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 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

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

ENT Progress Note for BPPV

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Location of BPPV
  • Maneuvers performed
  • Test results
  • Treatment response

Example Documentation

LOCATION: Right posterior canal MANEUVERS: - Dix-Hallpike: Latency 8s, upbeating torsional nystagmus ×35s - Epley ×2: Resolution of nystagmus on final cycle PLAN: - Home Brandt-Daroff exercises BID - Avoid supine position ×48hrs - Follow-up in 1 week if symptoms recur

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
BPPV diagnosed, CRM performed.
Good Documentation Example
Right posterior canal BPPV confirmed by Dix-Hallpike: latency 5s, torsional upbeating nystagmus lasting 22s, resolved with Epley.
Explanation
The good example provides specific test results and treatment details, ensuring accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo? Ask your questions below.

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