2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H81.8X9Other disorders of vestibular function, unspecified ear

ICD-10-CM Codes›H60–H95›H80-H83›H81

ICD-10-CM H81.8X9
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

H81.8X9 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other disorders of vestibular function, unspecified ear. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026). Coders also document this condition as cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Diseases of inner ear and related conditions.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
H81.8X9
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other disorders of vestibular function, unspecified ear
Short Description
Other disorders of vestibular function, unspecified ear
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
H81.8X
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 CodeH81.8X9Other disorders of vestibular function, unspecified ear

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Cerebellar ataxia with neuropathy and bilateral vestibular areflexia syndrome
  • Chronic bilateral vestibulopathy
  • Otolith disease
  • Syncopal vertigo
  • Vertiginous syndrome
  • Vestibular migraine
  • Vestibulo-ocular reflex absent
  • Vestibulo-ocular reflex finding

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

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Vertiginous Syndrome

    a group of disorders characterized by the sensation of constant motion or spinning despite not moving.

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 H81.8X9 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 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About H81.8X9Overview

Is H81.8X9 (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, unspecified ear on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of H81.8X9?

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

Footnotes

[1] Not chronic - A diagnosis code that does not fit the criteria for chronic condition (duration, ongoing medical treatment, and limitations) is considered not chronic. Some codes designated as not chronic are acute conditions. Other diagnosis codes that indicate a possible chronic condition, but for which the duration of the illness is not specified in the code description (i.e., we do not know the condition has lasted 12 months or longer) also are considered not chronic.