2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H81.8X2Other disorders of vestibular function, left ear

ICD-10-CM Codes›H60–H95›H80-H83›H81

ICD-10-CM H81.8X2
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

H81.8X2 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other disorders of vestibular function, left ear. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2027 (October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027) and groups to MS-DRG 149. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Diseases of inner ear and related conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
H81.8X2
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other disorders of vestibular function, left ear
Short Description
Other disorders of vestibular function, left ear
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
Other disorders of vestibular function

Code Classification

ChapterH60–H95Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
SectionH80-H83Diseases of inner ear
CategoryH81Disorders of vestibular function
This CodeH81.8X2Other disorders of vestibular function, left ear

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to H81.8X2: its own notes plus those printed at H81 and Chapter 8. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Excludes1

Not coded here: the excluded code is never reported together with this one, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

From H81 Disorders of vestibular function applies to 29 codes
  • epidemic vertigo (A88.1)
  • vertigo NOS (R42)

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 8 (H60-H95) Diseases of the ear and mastoid process applies to 653 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Notes

General instructions on how these codes are used.

From Chapter 8 (H60-H95) Diseases of the ear and mastoid process applies to 653 codes
  • Use an external cause code following the code for the ear condition, if applicable, to identify the cause of the ear condition

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name H81.8X2, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes1 1

These codes carry an Excludes1 note naming H81.8X2: they are not reported together with it, unless the two conditions are unrelated.

  • R42 Dizziness and giddiness
    vertiginous syndromes (H81.-) names H81.-, which includes this code

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR EAR003
Diseases of inner ear and related conditions
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Balance Problems

Have you ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room is spinning around you? If the feeling happens often, it could be a sign of a balance problem. Balance problems can make you feel unsteady. You may also have blurred vision, confusion, and disorientation.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert H81.8X2 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
386.8 Disorders labyrinth NEC
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About H81.8X2Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for other disorders of vestibular function, left ear?

The ICD-10-CM code for other disorders of vestibular function, left ear is H81.8X2 (sometimes written as H818X2). It is billable on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Is H81.8X2 (Other disorders of vestibular function) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other disorders of vestibular function, left ear on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

What MS-DRG does H81.8X2 group to?

When other disorders of vestibular function, left ear is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 149 (dysequilibrium), which carries a relative weight of 0.7526. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

Can H81.8X2 be reported with A88.1?

Not as a rule. The Excludes1 note at H81, which applies to H81.8X2, lists "epidemic vertigo (A88.1)". An Excludes1 note means the excluded code is never reported together with this one; the only exception is when the two conditions are unrelated to each other (Official Guidelines, Section I.A.12.a).

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of H81.8X2?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other disorders of vestibular function, left ear converts to ICD-9-CM 386.8 (disorders labyrinth NEC). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.