ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Problems(H90.3, H91.0)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hearing Problems. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hearing Problems
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 attributed to ototoxic medications. |
|
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 Problems
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing problem
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Audiogram confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Audiogram showing ≥26dB HL bilateral
- OAE absent or ABR latency >1.8ms
Code-Specific Risks
- Under-coding if laterality is not specified
Coding Notes
- Ensure audiometric confirmation of bilateral sensorineural loss.
H91.0 - Ototoxic hearing loss
Use when hearing loss is attributed to ototoxic medications.
Applicable To
- Hearing loss due to medication
Excludes
- Hearing loss due to congenital conditions (Q16.5)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- History of ototoxic drug use
- Audiogram showing descending audiometric pattern
Coding Notes
Ensure documentation of the ototoxic agent and its effects.
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 Hearing Problems 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 plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to lack of specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure audiometric tests are included in the patient's record, Train staff on the importance of detailed documentation
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 health data records.
Mitigation Strategy
Always use the most specific code available, such as H90.3 for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Impact
Audits may focus on the specificity of hearing loss documentation and coding.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure all documentation includes specific audiometric findings and laterality.
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 Problems, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hearing Problems
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hearing Problems. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Audiology Evaluation
Specialty: AudiologyRequired Elements
- Chief Complaint
- History of ototoxic medication
- Otoscopy findings
- Tympanometry results
- Audiometric findings
- Medical decision
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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