Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Deficit(H90.3, H91.1)

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

Also known as:

Hearing LossAuditory Impairment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hearing Deficit

H90-H94Primary Range

Hearing loss and other ear disorders

This range includes all types of hearing loss, categorized by type and laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H90.3Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateralUse when audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Audiometry showing ≥26 dB HL in the better ear across 0.5-4 kHz
H91.1PresbycusisUse for patients over 65 with age-related hearing decline.
  • Progressive bilateral hearing loss >30 dB at 4-8 kHz

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 Deficit

The ICD-10 code for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is H90.3, used when audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing deficit

Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Audiometry confirms bilateral sensorineural loss.

Applicable To

  • Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiometry showing ≥26 dB HL in the better ear across 0.5-4 kHz

Code-Specific Risks

  • Avoid using if only unilateral loss is documented.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies bilateral loss to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings

Z01.10
Use when hearing tests are normal and no symptoms are present.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss

H90.5
Use H90.5 only if laterality cannot be determined.

Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral

H90.3
Presbycusis is age-related, while H90.3 can occur at any age.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hearing Deficit 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., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify type and laterality in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Unspecified codes may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available based on audiometry.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used when specific data is available.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation supports the most specific code.

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

Documentation Templates for Hearing Deficit

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

Audiology Evaluation for Hearing Loss

Specialty: Audiology

Required Elements

  • Type of hearing loss
  • Laterality
  • Audiometric results
  • Functional impact

Example Documentation

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss confirmed by audiometry with PTA 40 dB.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hearing loss present.
Good Documentation Example
Moderate-severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (PTA 55 dB right, 60 dB left) with poor speech discrimination scores (60% at 50 dB HL).
Explanation
The good example provides specific audiometric data and functional impact.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Hearing Deficit? 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