What tinnitus ICD-10 codes can I use?
If you're looking for ICD-10 codes related to tinnitus or other abnormal auditory perceptions, there are nine main codes you can choose from, depending on the affected ear and the type of tinnitus.
The most basic ICD-10 code used for general tinnitus is:
- H93.19 – Tinnitus, unspecified ear: This code is applied when the affected ear hasn’t yet been determined. It should only be used when clinical records lack specifics.
Once the specific ear is identified, use one of these more precise ICD-10 codes:
- H93.11 – Tinnitus, right ear
- H93.12 – Tinnitus, left ear
- H93.13 – Tinnitus, bilateral
ICD-10 codes for pulsatile tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rarer form of tinnitus that occurs when patients perceive a rhythmic sound in sync with their heartbeat. It’s often linked to vascular diseases, muscle contractions, or abnormalities involving the ear and mastoid process.
If a patient presents with pulsatile tinnitus but the affected ear is unspecified, use:
- H93.A9 – Pulsatile tinnitus, unspecified ear
If the affected side is known, select:
- H93.A1 – Pulsatile tinnitus, right ear
- H93.A2 – Pulsatile tinnitus, left ear
- H93.A3 – Pulsatile tinnitus, bilateral
Additional code for medical history context
Z83.52 – Family history of ear disorders: This code may be used when a patient has a known family history of ear diseases or conditions such as tinnitus. While it supports clinical context, it is not billable as a principal diagnosis. It’s best used as supplementary data for health status documentation.