Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Ringing in Ears(H93.11, H93.12, H93.13, H93.19)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Ringing in Ears. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

TinnitusEar Ringing

Quick Navigation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Ringing in Ears

H93.1Primary Range

Tinnitus

This range includes all codes related to tinnitus, specifying laterality and type.

H90-H91

Hearing loss

These codes are used when tinnitus is associated with hearing loss.

H81.0

Meniere's disease

Used when tinnitus is a symptom of Meniere's disease.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H93.11Tinnitus, right earUse when tinnitus is confirmed in the right ear only.
  • Audiogram showing right ear tinnitus
  • Patient report of right ear ringing
H93.12Tinnitus, left earUse when tinnitus is confirmed in the left ear only.
  • Audiogram showing left ear tinnitus
  • Patient report of left ear ringing
H93.13Tinnitus, bilateralUse when tinnitus is confirmed in both ears.
  • Audiogram showing bilateral tinnitus
  • Patient report of ringing in both ears
H93.19Tinnitus, unspecifiedUse when tinnitus is present but laterality is not documented.
  • Patient report of tinnitus without specified laterality

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 ringing in ears

Essential facts and insights about Ringing in Ears

The ICD-10 code for ringing in ears is H93.1, with specific codes for laterality: H93.11 for right ear, H93.12 for left ear, and H93.13 for bilateral.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for ringing in ears

H93.11
Tinnitus, right ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Tinnitus confirmed in right ear

Applicable To

  • Right ear ringing

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiogram showing right ear tinnitus
  • Patient report of right ear ringing

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented clearly.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

H90.3
Use when tinnitus is associated with bilateral hearing loss.

Unilateral conductive hearing loss, left ear

H90.5
Use when tinnitus is associated with conductive hearing loss in the left ear.

Dizziness and giddiness

R42
Use when tinnitus is associated with dizziness.

Differential Codes

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

Tinnitus, left ear

H93.12
Use when tinnitus is confirmed in the left ear only.

Tinnitus, right ear

H93.11
Use when tinnitus is confirmed in the right ear only.

Tinnitus, unspecified

H93.19
Use when laterality is not specified.

Tinnitus, bilateral

H93.13
Use when tinnitus is confirmed in both ears.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Ringing in Ears to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H93.11.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on importance of laterality documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is documented and use specific codes (H93.11, H93.12, H93.13).

Impact

Use of unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks to ensure laterality is documented and coded correctly.

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

Documentation Templates for Ringing in Ears

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Ringing in Ears. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Chronic bilateral tinnitus

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Onset and duration
  • Laterality
  • Characterization
  • Associated symptoms
  • Audiometric findings

Example Documentation

Patient reports bilateral high-pitched ringing for 18 months, worsening with stress. THI score 56, pitch match 6,000 Hz.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Tinnitus present.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic bilateral tonal tinnitus ×2 years, THI 62. Pitch-matched to 8,000 Hz at 25 dB SL.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on duration, laterality, and audiometric findings.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Ringing in Ears? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more

Helpful Links

How ICD 10 AI Lookup WorksContact UsPrivacy Policy