Pulsatile tinnitus, unspecified ear

This code signifies the presence of pulsatile tinnitus, a type of tinnitus characterized by a rhythmic, throbbing, or whooshing sound in the ear that often synchronizes with the patient's heartbeat. It indicates that the specific ear affected (left or right) is not documented or is unknown.

Use this code when the medical record clearly documents pulsatile tinnitus but does not specify laterality. This typically occurs when the patient reports the symptom without a definitive diagnosis of the affected ear, or when the physician's documentation omits this detail.

• Always attempt to clarify laterality with the provider if possible, as more specific codes exist (H93.A1-H93.A3).
• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies non-pulsatile tinnitus; refer to the H93.1- series.
• Consider underlying conditions that may cause pulsatile tinnitus, such as vascular abnormalities, and code them as primary or secondary diagnoses as appropriate.