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ICD-10 Coding for Conductive Hearing Loss(H90.0, H90.11)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Conductive Hearing Loss. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CHLConductive Deafness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Conductive Hearing Loss

H90-H91Primary Range

Hearing loss

This range includes all types of hearing loss, with specific codes for conductive hearing loss.

Congenital malformations of ear causing hearing loss

Used when conductive hearing loss is due to congenital malformations.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H90.0Bilateral conductive hearing lossUse when audiometric tests confirm bilateral conductive hearing loss.
  • Audiogram showing bilateral air-bone gap ≥15 dB
  • Tympanometry indicating conductive pathology
H90.11Unilateral conductive hearing loss, right ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral sideUse when audiometric tests confirm unilateral conductive hearing loss in the right ear.
  • Audiogram showing right ear air-bone gap
  • Normal hearing in left ear

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 bilateral conductive hearing loss

Essential facts and insights about Conductive Hearing Loss

The ICD-10 code for bilateral conductive hearing loss is H90.0.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for conductive hearing loss

Bilateral conductive hearing loss
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Bilateral air-bone gap on audiogram

coding Criteria

  • No sensorineural component present

Applicable To

  • Bilateral air-bone gap

Excludes

  • Sensorineural hearing loss

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiogram showing bilateral air-bone gap ≥15 dB
  • Tympanometry indicating conductive pathology

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification if sensorineural component is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure audiometric confirmation of conductive loss before coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Otitis media, unspecified

H66.9
Use when otitis media is the underlying cause of conductive hearing loss.

Encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings

Z01.10
Use during pre-operative evaluations.

Differential Codes

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

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

H90.3
Presence of sensorineural component on audiogram

Unilateral conductive hearing loss, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side

H90.12
Left ear involvement

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Conductive Hearing Loss to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document underlying cause if known, Use specific codes for etiology

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential for reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in health records

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify laterality when documentation supports it.

Impact

Incorrect laterality coding can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify laterality in clinical documentation before coding.

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 Conductive Hearing Loss, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Conductive Hearing Loss

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Conductive Hearing Loss. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Unilateral conductive hearing loss due to otosclerosis

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Audiogram results
  • Tympanometry findings
  • CT scan results

Example Documentation

Patient presents with right ear hearing loss. Audiogram shows right air-bone gap. Tympanometry type As. CT confirms otosclerosis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hearing loss.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has right ear conductive hearing loss with audiogram showing air-bone gap and CT confirming otosclerosis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and diagnostic confirmation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Conductive Hearing Loss? Ask your questions below.

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