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ICD-10 Coding for Hearing Evaluation(H90.3, H93.293)

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

Also known as:

Audiometric TestingHearing Assessment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Hearing Evaluation

H90-H94Primary Range

Hearing loss and other disorders of the ear

This range includes codes for various types of hearing loss and auditory perception disorders.

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

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H90.3Bilateral sensorineural hearing lossUse when audiometric testing confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Audiogram showing bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
  • Absent otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)
H93.293Abnormal auditory perception, bilateralUse when the patient has normal hearing thresholds but reports auditory perception issues.
  • Patient reports difficulty understanding speech in noise
  • Normal hearing thresholds on audiogram

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 hearing evaluation

Essential facts and insights about Hearing Evaluation

The ICD-10 code for a routine hearing evaluation without abnormal findings is Z01.10. For specific conditions, use codes like H90.3 for sensorineural hearing loss.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for hearing evaluation

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Audiogram shows bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.

documentation Criteria

  • Detailed audiometric results are documented.

Applicable To

  • Bilateral high-frequency hearing loss

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiogram showing bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
  • Absent otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure audiometric results are documented to support the diagnosis.

Coding Notes

  • Document specific audiometric findings to justify the use of this code.

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 the hearing evaluation is routine and no abnormalities are found.

Encounter for examination of ears and hearing with other abnormal findings

Z01.118
Use when additional abnormal findings are present.

Differential Codes

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

Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

H90.6
Presence of air-bone gap in audiometric testing.

Central auditory processing disorder

H93.25
Use when specific central processing deficits are identified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Hearing Evaluation to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.3.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical picture., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Risk of claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document patient-reported symptoms., Review audiometric findings with patient history.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use symptom-specific codes first, such as H93.1 for tinnitus.

Impact

Improper billing of separate audiometry components.

Mitigation Strategy

Use comprehensive codes like 92557 when appropriate.

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

Documentation Templates for Hearing Evaluation

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

Routine hearing evaluation

Specialty: Audiology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Audiometric test results
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

Chief Complaint: 'Difficulty hearing in noisy environments.' History: Progressive over 2 years. Audiometry: Normal thresholds, poor speech discrimination in noise. Diagnosis: H93.293.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hearing loss noted.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss at 2000-8000 Hz, confirmed by pure-tone thresholds and absent DPOAEs.
Explanation
The good example provides specific audiometric findings and diagnosis.

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