ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Impairment(H90.3, H91.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hearing Impairment. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hearing Impairment
H90-H94Primary Range
Hearing loss and other disorders of the ear
This range includes all types of hearing loss, including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed types.
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 audiometric testing confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. |
|
| H91.0 | Ototoxic hearing loss | Use when hearing loss is directly linked to ototoxic medication. |
|
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 Hearing Impairment
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing impairment
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Audiogram showing bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
documentation Criteria
- Detailed audiometric results including pure-tone averages and speech discrimination scores
Applicable To
- Bilateral hearing loss due to sensorineural causes
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Audiogram-confirmed bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
- Documented etiology (e.g., noise exposure, age-related)
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unilateral or mixed hearing loss
Coding Notes
- Ensure audiometric data supports the diagnosis of bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
H91.0 - Ototoxic hearing loss
Use when hearing loss is directly linked to ototoxic medication.
Applicable To
- Hearing loss due to ototoxic drugs
Excludes
- Hearing loss due to other causes
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Documentation of ototoxic medication use
- Temporal relationship between drug exposure and hearing loss
Coding Notes
Ensure the ototoxic agent is documented and coded as the primary diagnosis.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Fitting and adjustment of hearing aid
Z46.1Differential 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 Hearing Impairment to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.3.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always obtain and document audiometric test results before coding.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.
Mitigation Strategy
Always specify whether hearing loss is unilateral or bilateral.
Impact
Failure to code the ototoxic agent before the hearing loss code.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate coding staff on proper sequencing rules.
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 Hearing Impairment, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hearing Impairment
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hearing Impairment. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Audiologic Evaluation for Hearing Loss
Specialty: AudiologyRequired Elements
- Laterality
- Type of hearing loss
- Severity
- Speech testing results
- Etiologic indicators
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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