Oncology & Hematology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Check Laterality for Hearing Loss

Question: Our physician documented a diagnosis of mixed hearing loss in a patient who was receiving chemotherapy. Which code should you report for mixed hearing loss?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: The ICD-10-CM codes for mixed hearing loss are in the H90.A3 category (Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral with restricted hearing on the contralateral side). To identify the affected ear, you’ll select a sixth character as follows:

  • H90.A31, Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, right ear with restricted hearing on the contralateral side
  • H90.A32, Mixed conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, unilateral, left ear with restricted hearing on the contralateral side.