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Z13.5
ICD-10-CM
Hearing Screening

Find information on hearing screening diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, CPT codes, clinical documentation requirements, and healthcare reimbursement guidelines. Learn about hearing test procedures, audiometry, and early detection of hearing loss for infants, children, and adults. Explore resources for hearing screening programs, preventative care, and audiology best practices. This comprehensive guide covers essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand hearing screening diagnosis.

Also known as

Audiometric Screening
Hearing Test

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Evaluates hearing ability to detect potential hearing loss.
  • Clinical Signs : Difficulty hearing, speech delay, asking for repetitions, turning up volume.
  • Common Settings : Hospitals, clinics, schools, pediatrician offices, audiology centers.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Z13.5 Coding
Z13.21

Encounter for hearing screening

Routine hearing examination to detect potential hearing problems.

H90-H90.9

Conductive and sensorineural hearing loss

Covers various types of hearing loss diagnosed after screening.

H91-H91.9

Other hearing loss

Includes other specified and unspecified hearing disorders.

Z01.10

Exam of ears and hearing

Encompasses routine ear and hearing checkups.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the hearing screening for newborn?

  • Yes

    Code Z13.81, Encounter for newborn hearing screening

  • No

    Is screening part of a routine exam?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Hearing Screening
Conductive Hearing Loss
Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hearing screening procedure performed
  • Laterality (right, left, bilateral) documented
  • Screening results (pass/fail, thresholds) recorded
  • Equipment used specified (e.g., audiometer)
  • Diagnosis supporting medical necessity of screening

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unbundling Codes

    Separate coding of components included in a comprehensive hearing screening can lead to overbilling.

  • Unspecified Diagnosis

    Using unspecified hearing loss codes when more specific diagnoses are available leads to inaccurate data.

  • Lacking Medical Necessity

    Coding for hearing screenings without proper documentation supporting medical necessity can cause claim denial.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document laterality (right, left, bilateral) for CPT 92557.
  • Use ICD-10 Z13.5 for encounter solely for hearing screening.
  • Newborn screenings use CPT 92551 and ICD-10 Z13.6.
  • Ensure proper consent for hearing screening procedures.
  • For diagnostic hearing assessment, use CPT 92557, not screening code.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify patient age documented (ICD-10 Z01.10, Z01.11)
  • Confirm laterality (right, left, bilateral) documented
  • Check screening method documented (OAE, ABR)
  • Pass/Fail result clearly recorded and linked to Dx
  • Review documentation for referral if needed (SNOMED CT 73959008)

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hearing Screening reimbursement hinges on accurate CPT codes (92551-92557) and ICD-10 diagnosis codes (H90-H91).
  • Coding errors impact claim denial rates, delaying hospital revenue cycle and increasing administrative burden.
  • Quality metrics like patient access and preventative care delivery depend on appropriate Hearing Screening coding.
  • Proper documentation validates medical necessity, improving reimbursement success and compliance with regulations.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code laterality for hearing tests
  • Dx: Newborn hearing screen, use Z13.81
  • Document screening type/method

Documentation Templates

Hearing screening performed on [Date] for [Patient Name], [Date of Birth], [Medical Record Number].  Patient presented for [reason for visit; e.g., well-child check, annual physical, concerns about hearing loss].  Otoscopic examination revealed [describe tympanic membrane appearance; e.g., normal bilateral tympanic membranes, erythematous right tympanic membrane, presence of cerumen].  Hearing acuity assessed using [method of screening; e.g., pure-tone audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, behavioral audiometry].  Results indicated [screening results; e.g., pass bilateral, refer right ear, refer bilateral].  If referred, recommendations for follow-up audiological evaluation provided.  Patient andor guardian counseled on findings and next steps.  Diagnosis: Hearing screening [specify laterality and result; e.g., bilateral pass, right ear refer, bilateral refer].  ICD-10 code: Z01.10 (Encounter for hearing examination following failed hearing screening) or Z01.11 (Encounter for hearing examination following passed hearing screening) as applicable.  CPT codes may include 92551 (Pure tone audiometry air only) or 92587 (Comprehensive audiometry threshold evaluation and speech recognition) depending on the complexity of testing, if billable.  Differential diagnoses considered, if applicable, may include conductive hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss, or mixed hearing loss.  Plan: [Outline plan; e.g., return for well child check in 6 months, referral to audiology for complete evaluation, return to clinic if symptoms worsen].