ICD-10 Coding for Difficulty Hearing(H90.3, H90.6)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Difficulty Hearing. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Difficulty Hearing
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| H90.3 | Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss | Use when audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. |
|
| H90.6 | Bilateral mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss | Use when both conductive and sensorineural components are present bilaterally. |
|
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 sensorineural hearing loss
Essential facts and insights about Difficulty Hearing
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for difficulty hearing
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Audiogram confirms bilateral sensorineural loss
Applicable To
- Bilateral hearing loss due to nerve damage
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Audiogram showing bilateral sensorineural thresholds >25 dB
Code-Specific Risks
- Under-coding if laterality is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure audiogram results are documented to support the diagnosis.
H90.6 - Bilateral mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss
Use when both conductive and sensorineural components are present bilaterally.
Applicable To
- Mixed hearing loss with both conductive and sensorineural components
Excludes
- Unilateral mixed hearing loss (H90.7)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Audiogram showing both air-bone gap and sensorineural loss
Coding Notes
Document both air and bone conduction results to justify mixed diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Difficulty Hearing to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.3.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate representation of patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding rules., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Always review audiogram for laterality before coding., Use specific codes for unilateral or bilateral loss.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify laterality (e.g., H90.3 for bilateral) when audiometry provides this information.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific codes are applicable.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available based on audiometric data.
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 Difficulty Hearing, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Difficulty Hearing
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Difficulty Hearing. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Specialty: OtolaryngologyRequired Elements
- Patient history of hearing difficulties
- Audiogram results
- Impact on daily activities
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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