Acustc neuritis in infec/parastc dis classd elswhr, left ear

This code signifies inflammation of the left auditory nerve (cranial nerve VIII) that is a manifestation of an underlying infectious or parasitic disease. This condition typically presents with sudden or progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, and/or vertigo in the affected ear. The neuritis is not the primary diagnosis but rather a secondary complication of another infectious process.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links acoustic neuritis of the left ear to a specific infectious or parasitic disease that is coded elsewhere. Examples include acoustic neuritis secondary to mumps, Lyme disease, syphilis, or HIV. The medical record must specify the laterality (left ear) and the causal relationship to the underlying infection.

• Always sequence the underlying infectious or parasitic disease code first, followed by this code.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "left ear" and the infectious etiology; avoid using for unspecified laterality or non-infectious causes.
• Differentiate from other forms of acoustic neuritis (e.g., toxic, idiopathic) which have different ICD-10-CM codes.