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ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Loss(H90.3, H91.01)

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

Also known as:

DeafnessHearing Impairmentloss of hearing

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hearing Loss

H90-H94Primary Range

Hearing loss and other disorders of the ear

This range includes all types of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, and mixed types.

Poisoning by, adverse effect of and underdosing of drugs, medicaments and biological substances

Relevant for coding ototoxic hearing loss due to drug toxicity.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H90.3Bilateral sensorineural hearing lossUse when audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Audiometry confirming bilateral sensorineural loss
  • PTA >25 dB in both ears
H91.01Ototoxic hearing loss, right earUse when hearing loss is due to ototoxicity in the right ear.
  • Temporal relationship to ototoxic drug
  • Exclusion of other causes

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 Loss

The ICD-10 code for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is H90.3, used when audiometry confirms sensorineural loss in both ears.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing loss

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Applicable To

  • Bilateral sensorineural deafness

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiometry confirming bilateral sensorineural loss
  • PTA >25 dB in both ears

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified codes leading to denials.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies bilateral sensorineural loss.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dizziness and giddiness

R42
Use when dizziness accompanies hearing loss.

Adverse effect of antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drugs, initial encounter

T45.1X5A
Use to specify the ototoxic agent.

Differential Codes

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

Bilateral conductive hearing loss

H90.0
Conductive loss confirmed by air-bone gap >10 dB.

Other specified hearing loss, right ear

H91.8X1
Use for non-ototoxic specified hearing loss.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hearing Loss 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 diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the ototoxic agent., Use specific codes for the agent.

Impact

Reimbursement: Unspecified codes may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of health data.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like H90.3 for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used frequently.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes and ensure detailed documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Hearing Loss

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

Progressive bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Audiometry results
  • Speech recognition scores
  • Diagnosis and plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: 'Patient reports difficulty understanding speech in noise.' **Objective**: Audiometry shows bilateral SNHL. **Assessment**: H90.3. **Plan**: Hearing aids.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hearing loss, will fit aids.
Good Documentation Example
Moderate-severe bilateral sensorineural HL (PTA: 55 dB). No evidence of retrocochlear pathology on ABR.
Explanation
The good example provides specific audiometric data and excludes other pathologies.

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

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