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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss(H90.3)

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

Also known as:

SNHL BilateralBilateral SNHLbsnhl

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

H90-H94Primary Range

Hearing loss and other disorders of the ear

This range includes all types of hearing loss, including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed types.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

The ICD-10 code for bilateral sensorineural hearing loss is H90.3, used when audiometric tests confirm sensorineural loss in both ears.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for sensorineural hearing loss bilateral

Sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Audiometry showing bilateral sensorineural loss

documentation Criteria

  • Documented audiometric results and speech discrimination scores

Applicable To

  • Bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment

Excludes

  • Conductive hearing loss (H90.0)
  • Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss (H90.6)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Audiometry confirming ≥30 dB HL sensorineural loss in both ears
  • Speech discrimination scores ≤80% bilaterally
  • Normal tympanometry (Type A)

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use if laterality is not specified
  • Misuse when mixed hearing loss is present

Coding Notes

  • Ensure audiometric confirmation and specify bilateral involvement.

Ancillary Codes

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

Noise effects on inner ear

H83.3
Use when noise-induced hearing loss is documented.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified sensorineural hearing loss

H90.5
Use when laterality or type of hearing loss is not specified.

Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, bilateral

H90.6
Use when both conductive and sensorineural components are present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss 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 plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive audiometric testing, Document specific type and laterality of hearing loss

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies sensorineural type and bilateral involvement.

Impact

Inaccurate documentation of hearing loss type and laterality.

Mitigation Strategy

Regular audits of audiometric documentation and coding practices.

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 Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss

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

ENT Clinic Visit for Bilateral SNHL

Specialty: Otolaryngology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of hearing loss
  • Audiometric test results
  • Speech discrimination scores
  • Tympanometry results

Example Documentation

62yo with 5-year progression of symmetric bilateral SNHL. Audiogram: Right ear PTA 45 dB HL, Left ear PTA 50 dB HL, Speech discrimination 80% bilaterally, Normal tympanometry (Type A).

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Hearing loss both ears
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral SNHL with PTA 55 dB HL, normal middle ear function
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of hearing loss and provides audiometric confirmation.

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