Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Vestibular Neuritis(H81.2, H81.21, H81.22, H81.23)

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

Also known as:

Vestibular Neuronitis

Quick Navigation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vestibular Neuritis

H81.2Primary Range

Vestibular neuronitis

This range includes codes for vestibular neuritis with specification for laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H81.2Vestibular neuronitisUse when the patient presents with acute onset vertigo, no hearing loss, and positive HIT.
  • Sudden onset vertigo lasting more than 24 hours
  • Absence of hearing loss
  • Positive head impulse test (HIT)
H81.21Vestibular neuronitis, right earUse when the right ear is affected.
  • Positive head impulse test to the right
  • No hearing loss
H81.22Vestibular neuronitis, left earUse when the left ear is affected.
  • Positive head impulse test to the left
  • No hearing loss
H81.23Vestibular neuronitis, bilateralUse when both ears are affected.
  • Bilateral positive head impulse test
  • No hearing loss

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 vestibular neuritis

Essential facts and insights about Vestibular Neuritis

The ICD-10 code for vestibular neuritis is H81.2, with specific codes for right, left, and bilateral involvement.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vestibular neuritis

H81.2
Vestibular neuronitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Patient exhibits vertigo without hearing loss.

documentation Criteria

  • Document positive HIT and absence of hearing loss.

Applicable To

  • Vestibular neuritis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sudden onset vertigo lasting more than 24 hours
  • Absence of hearing loss
  • Positive head impulse test (HIT)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Confusion with labyrinthitis if hearing loss is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and excludes hearing loss.
View Full Code Details

Ancillary Codes

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

Viral infection, unspecified

B34.9
Use if a recent viral infection is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Benign paroxysmal vertigo

H81.1
Positional triggers and short duration episodes.

Labyrinthitis

H83.0
Presence of hearing loss.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vestibular Neuritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H81.2.

Impact

Clinical: Impacts treatment decisions, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding specificity, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document which ear is affected, Use specific codes for right, left, or bilateral

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Misclassification affects compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify absence of hearing loss to confirm vestibular neuritis.

Impact

Omissions in specifying affected ear can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR templates.

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

Documentation Templates for Vestibular Neuritis

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

Acute Vestibular Neuritis

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • History of present illness
  • Physical examination findings
  • Diagnostic test results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

**HPI:** 48h vertigo, no hearing loss. **Exam:** Positive HIT left. **Assessment:** Left vestibular neuritis. **Plan:** Steroids, vestibular rehab.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient dizzy, rule out stroke.
Good Documentation Example
Acute vertigo, positive HIT left, MRI negative for stroke. Diagnosed with left vestibular neuritis.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and excludes differential diagnoses.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Vestibular Neuritis? 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