ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Test(H90.3, Z01.10)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Hearing Test. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Hearing Test
H90-H91Primary Range
Hearing loss
This range includes codes for different types of hearing loss, which are often the primary focus of hearing tests.
Encounter for examination of ears and hearing
These codes are used for routine hearing examinations and screenings.
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. |
|
| Z01.10 | Encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings | Use for routine hearing exams with normal findings. |
|
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 normal hearing test
Essential facts and insights about Hearing Test
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing test
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
Applicable To
- Bilateral SNHL
Excludes
- Conductive hearing loss
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Air-bone gap ≤10 dB at 500 Hz, 1k, 2k, 4k Hz
- Cochlear involvement confirmed by OAE/ABR
Code-Specific Risks
- Risk of using without audiometric confirmation.
Coding Notes
- Ensure audiometric results are documented to support the diagnosis.
Z01.10 - Encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings
Use for routine hearing exams with normal findings.
Applicable To
- Routine hearing exam
Excludes
- Hearing loss
Clinical Validation Requirements
- No auditory/vestibular symptoms reported
- Normal pure tone thresholds (≤25 dB HL bilaterally)
Coding Notes
Use as secondary when symptoms are present.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Presence of hearing aid
Z97.4Differential 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 Test to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.3.
Impact
Clinical: Inadequate clinical documentation., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Risk of claim denial.
Mitigation Strategy
Use standardized templates, Ensure all test results are recorded
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denial., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate representation of patient condition.
Mitigation Strategy
Code the symptom first, such as tinnitus, and use Z01.10 as secondary.
Impact
High risk of audit if Z01.10 is overused without proper documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure comprehensive documentation of normal findings and absence of symptoms.
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 Test, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Hearing Test
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Hearing Test. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Routine Hearing Exam
Specialty: AudiologyRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- Otologic history
- Audiometric results
- Diagnosis
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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