ICD-10 Code H81.399 – Other Peripheral Vertigo, Unspecified Ear (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H81.399 – Other peripheral vertigo, unspecified ear
What it is
Use this code for peripheral vertigo when the source is outside the central nervous system and the affected ear is not specified. It indicates a vertigo diagnosis that does not fit a more specific peripheral vertigo code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly, you may see dizziness, spinning sensation, imbalance, nausea, or symptoms worsened by head movement.
When to use this code
Use H81.399 when the provider documents peripheral vertigo but does not identify the ear involved or gives an unspecified ear laterality. It is appropriate when the record supports a peripheral cause, yet the documentation is not detailed enough for a more specific code. Check documentation if the condition is described only as dizziness or nonspecific vertigo.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for central vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or Meniere disease when those diagnoses are documented. Also avoid it when the record specifies a more precise peripheral vertigo type or ear laterality.
Coding tip
Query the provider if vertigo is documented without a clear peripheral cause or ear specification.