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H91.90
ICD-10-CM
Hearing Deficit

Find comprehensive information on hearing deficit, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, SNOMED CT), audiometry testing, and hearing loss treatments. Learn about the different types of hearing deficits, such as conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss. This resource provides valuable information for healthcare professionals, including physicians, audiologists, and coding specialists, seeking accurate and up-to-date details on diagnosing and managing hearing deficits in patients. Explore causes, symptoms, and best practices for documenting hearing impairments in medical records.

Also known as

Hearing Loss
Auditory Impairment

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Reduced ability to hear sounds.
  • Clinical Signs : Difficulty understanding speech, asking for repetition, turning up volume.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, audiology clinics, ENT specialist

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H91.90 Coding
H90-H91

Hearing loss

Covers conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unspecified.

H93

Other diseases of inner ear

Includes conditions like Meniere's disease impacting hearing.

H65-H83

Diseases of ear and mastoid process

Includes ear infections and other disorders that may cause hearing deficits.

R42

Dizziness and giddiness

Vertigo and related conditions sometimes associated with hearing issues.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is hearing loss in one ear?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Hearing loss, any type/degree
Conductive hearing loss
Sensorineural hearing loss

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hearing deficit laterality (left, right, bilateral)
  • Type of hearing loss (conductive, sensorineural, mixed)
  • Hearing deficit severity (mild, moderate, severe, profound)
  • Audiometry results with specific frequencies tested
  • Etiology of hearing deficit if known (e.g., genetic, noise-induced)

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding Errors

    Incorrect coding for right, left, or bilateral hearing deficit (H90.3, H90.4, H90.5) impacting reimbursement and data accuracy.

  • Conductive vs Sensorineural

    Miscoding conductive (H90.2) vs sensorineural (H90.1) hearing loss leading to inaccurate severity reflection and treatment plans.

  • Unspecified Hearing Loss

    Using unspecified codes (H90.9, H91.9) when more specific diagnoses are available, hindering data analysis and quality reporting.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document laterality (right, left, bilateral) for ICD-10 H90.x and H91.x accuracy.
  • Code specific hearing loss type (conductive, sensorineural, mixed) per SNOMED CT.
  • Audiogram required for hearing loss diagnosis supports medical necessity for interventions.
  • Distinguish adult vs. child hearing loss for proper CPT coding (92557 vs. 92551).
  • Regular hearing screenings, especially for newborns, enhance early detection and intervention.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify ICD-10-CM codes H90-H91, document laterality
  • Confirm audiometry results, type and severity
  • Check contributing factors, medications, exposures
  • Assess impact on communication, document functional status
  • Review plan: management, referrals, patient education

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hearing Deficit reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM (H90-H93) and CPT (92551-92588) coding for optimal claims processing.
  • Coding quality directly impacts hospital reporting for Hearing Deficit, influencing resource allocation and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Precise documentation of hearing loss type and severity ensures proper reimbursement levels and minimizes claim denials.
  • Correct coding facilitates data analysis for Hearing Deficit prevalence, treatment outcomes, and public health reporting.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code H90-H91 for hearing loss
  • Lateralize using modifiers RT/LT
  • Document severity/type
  • Use ICD-10-CM guidelines
  • Consider Z codes for devices

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of hearing loss, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, andor tinnitus.  Onset of hearing impairment may be gradual or sudden.  Audiological evaluation reveals hearing deficit confirmed by pure-tone audiometry, demonstrating thresholds exceeding normal limits.  Type of hearing loss may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed.  Degree of hearing loss categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or profound.  Etiology of hearing deficit may be attributed to age-related hearing loss (presbycusis), noise-induced hearing loss, genetic factors, ototoxic medications, prior ear infections, Meniere's disease, acoustic neuroma, or other underlying medical conditions.  Patient's medical history, family history, and current medications reviewed.  Otoscopic examination findings documented.  Treatment plan may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, cochlear implants, auditory rehabilitation, referral to otolaryngology, or further diagnostic testing such as auditory brainstem response (ABR) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the internal auditory canal.  Patient education provided regarding hearing loss management and communication strategies.  Follow-up scheduled for audiological reassessment and monitoring of hearing status.  ICD-10 codes such as H90.x and H91.x considered for diagnostic coding and medical billing purposes.  CPT codes for audiological testing and procedures documented for reimbursement.