ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Loss Left Ear(H90.12, H90.42)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hearing Loss Left Ear. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hearing Loss Left Ear
H90-H94Primary Range
Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
This range includes codes for various types of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss specific to the left ear.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| H90.12 | Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side | Use when conductive hearing loss is confirmed in the left ear with normal hearing in the right ear. |
|
| H90.42 | Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side | Use when sensorineural hearing loss is confirmed in the left ear with normal hearing in the right 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 hearing loss left ear
Essential facts and insights about Hearing Loss Left Ear
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing loss left ear
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of air-bone gap on audiogram
documentation Criteria
- Specify laterality and type of hearing loss
Applicable To
- Left ear conductive hearing loss
Excludes
- Bilateral conductive hearing loss (H90.0)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Air-bone gap ≥15 dB on audiogram
- Normal bone conduction in the right ear
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using unspecified codes when specific laterality is known.
Coding Notes
- Ensure audiometric testing supports the diagnosis of conductive hearing loss.
H90.42 - Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
Use when sensorineural hearing loss is confirmed in the left ear with normal hearing in the right ear.
Applicable To
- Left ear sensorineural hearing loss
Excludes
- Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (H90.3)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- SNHL ≥25 dB on audiogram
- Absent OAEs in the left ear
Coding Notes
Document audiometric findings to support sensorineural 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.
Sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
H90.42Conductive hearing loss, unilateral, left ear, with unrestricted hearing on the contralateral side
H90.12Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hearing Loss Left Ear to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.12.
Impact
Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: May result in claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document hearing status of both ears., Use templates that prompt for this information.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always document and code the specific ear affected.
Impact
Use of unspecified codes when specific laterality is documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation supports specific code selection.
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 Loss Left Ear, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hearing Loss Left Ear
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hearing Loss Left Ear. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in left ear
Specialty: OtolaryngologyRequired Elements
- Patient history
- Audiogram results
- MRI findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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