Did you know? Almost one-fifth of all patients who present to primary care with a complaint of dizziness end up being diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
But, as far as medical coding is concerned, there is still a long way to go before enough providers are able to correctly assign the proper BPPV ICD 10 code to treat this widely occurring but not simple condition, particularly when the involved ear remains unspecified. Misreporting BPPV not only plays a role in reimbursement in the Revenue Cycle Management world but also in the connectivity of care, which is impacted. That is why familiarization with such BPPV ICD-10 codes as H81.10 is essential to healthcare providers, coders, and billing businesses.
What is the BPPV?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is one disorder that can result from inner ear trauma (BPPV). It produces short spells of vertigo that are precipitated by movement of the head. BPPV, despite not being a life-threatening condition, can have a massive effect on the quality of life of a patient. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a disease that consists of microdizziness or vertigo and often occurs during the process of changing head position. It happens when otoconia, which are crystals of calcium carbonate, break free and enter the inner ear’s semicircular canals.
It is titled:
- Since it does not pose a threat to life, it is considered non-malignant.
- Due to its abrupt onset, it is called paroxysmal.
- Positional because it happens when the head moves.
- Vertigo because it gives you a whirling sensation.
Real-Life Example :
A family medicine physician in Texas has one experience, where one of her 68-year-old patients visited her and said that she felt dizzy when getting up in the morning or looking up at the air. The truth of the matter: Clinical suspicions were diagnosed thusly, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Nonetheless, this is because the left ear or the right ear was not recorded; hence, the billing department did not know what ICD-10 code to apply.
ICD-10 Code for BPPV
H81.10 is the ICD-10 code for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This code refers to benign paroxysmal vertigo, primarily in the unidentified ear.
- Coding : H81.10 ICD-10
- Name: Unspecific benign paroxysmal vertigo of an ear
- Billable: Yes
- Code type: Diagnosis
This code is to be applied in cases when the affected ear (left or right) may not be clear in clinical notes.
When to use H81.10
Use H81.10 when:
- Provided diagnosis ( benign paroxysmal positional vertigo ) is not recorded with regard to the affected ear.
- There is not enough specificity in the documentation to code to H81.11, H81.12, or H81.13.
This code should not be used when another type of vertigo-related condition is given (e.g., Meniere disease, labyrinthitis).
Related ICD-10 Codes for BPPV
| Codes | Description | Condition |
| H81.11 | BPPV, right ear | Right ear, benign paroxysmal vertigo |
| H81.12 | BPPV, left ear | Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Left Ear |
| H81.10 | BPPV, unspecified ear | Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear |
Synonyms That Coders Should Be Aware Of
Other terminologies that would be used by various providers are too numerous to list:
- ICD-10 H81.10 (no especifica) Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo.
- Benign postural vertigo.
- Benign paroxysmal vertigo.
- Unspecified vertigo (ICD-10: H81.9).
- Dizziness (ICD-10: R42 – non-specific to BPPV, but to all dizziness).
When the documentation is only vertigo without obvious etiology, write vertigo icd 10 unspecified (H81.9). But when there is clinical suspicion of BPPV and the ear is not documented, then it should be coded as H81.10.
How to Employ in Billing
In making claims:
- Combine with balance or dizziness assessment procedure codes, such as 9254192548.
- Statements that there is documentation to support the diagnosis should always be made.
- Make sure that modifiers are inserted where they are required.
Comprising its collateral symptoms, such as dizziness (dizziness. Claims can also be supported by ICD 10) or by general vertigo (dx code dizziness).
BPPV may sometimes present alongside or be confused with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. For accurate diagnosis and coding, review the ICD-10 guide for Parkinson’s Disease – G20.
Other ICD-10 Vertigo Codes
| Code | Condition |
| H81.0 | Meniere’s Disease |
| H83.0 | Labyrinthitis |
| R42 | Dizziness |
| H81.1X | BPPV |
BPPV ICD 10 Documentation Best Practices
So as to code accurately :
- IDENTIFY the side (left, right, bilateral) where possible.
- Note the presence of such symptoms as dizziness, balance difficulties.
- Eliminate other sources of vertigo.
- It is better not to include unspecified terms such as vertigo.
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Mistakes to Avoid
- Since R42 (dizziness and giddiness) is more specific than H81.10, it was used instead.
- Method of time: The omission of stating the lateral according to the knowledge of the individual.
- Missing connection between supporting symptoms in the medical records.
- Miscode of the positional vertigo as anxiety-related dizziness.
Conclusion
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is a common condition, yet coding BPPV in ICD-10 gives rise to a lot of confusion when the ear is not specified. The general codes are still used by many practices (i.e., R42 dizziness ICD 10), so the claims get rejected and are underreported.
The appropriate billing is a given since the ICD-10 code H81.10, unspecified benign positional vertigo, is specified in the correct area (ear). Accurate clinical documentation will also be achieved.
FAQS
Q: What is the ICD-10 code of BPPV with an unspecified ear?
H81.10 – Benign paroxysmal vertigo of unspecified ear.
Q: Is it possible to employ R42 along with H81.10?
As a rule, no. R42 is generalized dizziness. H81.10 is rather precise. Use a provider-documentation-based one.
Q: What happens when the ear is not recorded?
Standard H81.10-unspecific ear BPPV.
Q: Is BPPV (ICD-10: R42) dizzy?
Answer: No, R42 is a code of symptoms, whereas BPPV is a diagnosis. At all times, coders are supposed to use the most specific diagnosis.
Q: What is the ICD-10 of benign postural vertigo?
Answer: This is also the name of BPPV. Use H81.10 in case the ear is not specified.
