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ICD-10 Coding for Chronic Vertigo(H81.10, H81.11, H81.12, H81.13, H81.4, R42)

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

Also known as:

Persistent VertigoLong-term Vertigo

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Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chronic Vertigo

H81.10-H81.13Primary Range

Benign paroxysmal vertigo

Primary range for chronic benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) with specific codes for laterality.

H81.4

Central vertigo

Used for central causes of vertigo, such as brainstem lesions.

R42

Dizziness and giddiness

Used for non-specific dizziness when no specific vertigo diagnosis is confirmed.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H81.10Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified earWhen BPPV is diagnosed but laterality is not specified.
  • Episodic vertigo triggered by head movements
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver
H81.11Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right earWhen BPPV is diagnosed and affects the right ear.
  • Episodic vertigo triggered by head movements
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver on right side
H81.12Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left earWhen BPPV is diagnosed and affects the left ear.
  • Episodic vertigo triggered by head movements
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver on left side
H81.13Benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateralWhen BPPV is diagnosed and affects both ears.
  • Episodic vertigo triggered by head movements
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver on both sides
H81.4Central vertigoWhen vertigo is due to central causes such as brainstem lesions.
  • Persistent vertigo with central nystagmus
  • MRI evidence of central lesion
R42Dizziness and giddinessWhen dizziness is present but no specific vertigo diagnosis is confirmed.
  • Chronic lightheadedness without rotational component

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 chronic vertigo

Essential facts and insights about Chronic Vertigo

The ICD-10 codes for chronic vertigo include H81.10-H81.13 for benign paroxysmal vertigo and H81.4 for central vertigo. R42 is used for non-specific dizziness.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chronic vertigo

H81.10
Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific head movements triggering vertigo.

Applicable To

  • BPPV without specified laterality

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Episodic vertigo triggered by head movements
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike maneuver

Code-Specific Risks

  • May lead to unspecified coding if laterality is not documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Labyrinthitis, right ear

H83.01
Use when labyrinthitis is present alongside BPPV.

Labyrinthitis, left ear

H83.02
Use when labyrinthitis is present alongside BPPV.

Labyrinthitis, bilateral

H83.03
Use when labyrinthitis is present alongside BPPV.

Cerebral infarction, unspecified

I63.9
Use when stroke is the underlying cause of central vertigo.

Differential Codes

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

Central vertigo

H81.4
Presence of central nystagmus and MRI evidence of central lesion.

Peripheral vertigo

H81.1-
Presence of peripheral nystagmus and positive Dix-Hallpike test.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding specificity., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the affected ear(s) in clinical notes., Use specific ICD-10 codes for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement due to unspecified coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines for specific conditions., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use H81.1- with laterality for BPPV cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can affect reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding specificity., Data Quality: Leads to inaccurate clinical records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use H81.13 for bilateral BPPV cases.

Impact

High risk of audits for using unspecified codes when specific codes are applicable.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports specific vertigo codes with 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 Chronic Vertigo, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chronic Vertigo

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

Chronic BPPV

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of vertigo episodes
  • Specific head movements triggering vertigo
  • Dix-Hallpike test results
  • Laterality of symptoms

Example Documentation

45F with 6-month history of 30-second vertigo episodes triggered by leftward head turns. Dix-Hallpike positive for left posterior canalithiasis. No hearing loss.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of dizziness.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports episodic vertigo lasting 30 seconds, triggered by leftward head turns. Dix-Hallpike positive for left ear.
Explanation
The good example provides specific triggers, test results, and laterality, which are essential for accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chronic Vertigo? Ask your questions below.

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