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ICD-10 Coding for Impaired Hearing(H90.0, H90.3, H91.0X)

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

Also known as:

Hearing LossDeafness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Impaired Hearing

H90-H94Primary Range

Hearing loss and other disorders of the ear

This range includes codes for various types of hearing loss, including conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss.

Congenital malformations of ear causing hearing impairment

This range includes codes for congenital anomalies that result in hearing loss.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H90.0Bilateral conductive hearing lossUse when audiogram confirms bilateral conductive hearing loss.
  • Audiogram showing air-bone gap ≥15 dB
H90.3Bilateral sensorineural hearing lossUse when audiogram confirms bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.
  • Audiogram showing pure tone average ≥20 dB HL
H91.0XOtotoxic hearing lossUse when hearing loss is linked to ototoxic drug exposure.
  • Documented exposure to ototoxic drugs

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 impaired hearing

Essential facts and insights about Impaired Hearing

Impaired hearing is coded under the H90-H94 range, with specific codes for conductive, sensorineural, and mixed types.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for impaired hearing

Bilateral conductive hearing loss
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Audiogram confirms conductive loss in both ears.

Applicable To

  • Conductive hearing loss in both ears

Excludes

  • Sensorineural hearing loss

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiogram showing air-bone gap ≥15 dB

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure audiogram results are documented.

Differential Codes

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

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

H90.3
Use when audiogram shows sensorineural loss without air-bone gap.

Bilateral conductive hearing loss

H90.0
Use when audiogram shows air-bone gap.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Impaired Hearing to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H90.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the etiology if known., Use ancillary codes for drug-induced cases.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific ear affected.

Impact

Risk of audits due to unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes specific details like laterality and type.

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

Documentation Templates for Impaired Hearing

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

Audiologic evaluation for hearing loss

Specialty: Audiology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Type of hearing loss
  • Audiogram results
  • Etiology

Example Documentation

Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (PTA 35 dB HL) with confirmed genetic mutation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has hearing loss.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (PTA 35 dB HL) with GJB2 c.35delG mutation confirmed.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details and validation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Impaired Hearing? Ask your questions below.

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