Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo(H81.10, H81.11, H81.12)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

BPPVBenign Positional Vertigo

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo

H81.1Primary Range

Disorders of vestibular function

This range includes codes specific to benign paroxysmal vertigo, detailing laterality and specific conditions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H81.10Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified earUse when the affected ear is not specified in the documentation.
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test
  • Absence of hearing loss
H81.11Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right earUse when documentation specifies the right ear is affected.
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test on the right
  • Absence of hearing loss
H81.12Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left earUse when documentation specifies the left ear is affected.
  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test on the left
  • Absence of 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 benign paroxysmal vertigo

Essential facts and insights about Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo

The ICD-10 code for benign paroxysmal vertigo is H81.1, with specific codes for laterality.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for benign paroxysmal vertigo

Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Positive positional test without hearing loss.

Applicable To

  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive Dix-Hallpike test
  • Absence of hearing loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if laterality is not specified.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies positional triggers and absence of other vestibular disorders.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dizziness and giddiness

R42
Use when vertigo is not confirmed as positional.

Differential Codes

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

Labyrinthitis

H83.0
Presence of hearing loss and continuous vertigo.

Documentation & Coding Risks

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

Impact

Clinical: Misrepresents the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential denial of claims due to incorrect coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure BPPV is confirmed with positional tests., Use H81.1X codes for confirmed cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Decreased accuracy in clinical data records.

Mitigation Strategy

Query the provider to specify the affected ear.

Impact

Failure to specify laterality can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields in EHR for laterality 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 Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

ENT evaluation for vertigo

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Patient age and gender
  • Duration and triggers of vertigo
  • Results of positional tests
  • Laterality of symptoms
  • Absence of hearing loss

Example Documentation

60yo F with 3-day history of vertigo episodes triggered by right head rotation. Dix-Hallpike showed upbeating torsional nystagmus on right. No hearing changes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has dizziness.
Good Documentation Example
60yo F with 3-day history of <30s vertigo episodes triggered by right head rotation. Dix-Hallpike showed upbeating torsional nystagmus on right. No hearing changes.
Explanation
The good example specifies the trigger, duration, and test results, providing a complete clinical picture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo? 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