Many of you signed our petition for a formal pulsatile tinnitus diagnosis code. Well, our community has been heard!
H93.A1 Pulsatile tinnitus, right ear
H93.A2 Pulsatile tinnitus, left ear
H93.A3 Pulsatile
tinnitus, bilateral
H93.A9 Pulsatile tinnitus,unspecified
ear
These codes go in effect October 1, 2016.
This
is TRULY a fantastic development. So many of us have been assigned a "tinnitus" diagnosis code, when what
we experience is not tinnitus at all. Pulsatile tinnitus is not tinnitus. This is an important, validating
change, and, in some cases, it will be a life-saving change to the way our cases are documented. With a distinguishable code,
more medical professionals will research OUR symptom, recognize the complexities unique to OUR cases, and know better than
to tell us to "live with it" before ordering a thorough and appropriate medical evaluation.
For those
keeping track, the codes are within Chapter 8 - Diseases of the ear and mastoid process. We know that the underlying
causes of pulsatile tinnitus go beyond diseases of the ear, and, in fact, most causes do not have anything to do with the
ear. However, I still think this is a positive development that will go to great strides to distinguish our cases from
regular tinnitus cases, resulting in quicker and more appropriate evaluation.
Hooray for Whooshers everywhere! Make
sure your doctors are aware of the new PULSATILE TINNITUS DIAGNOSIS CODES!