Auditory hallucinations

This code signifies the perception of sounds, voices, or noises that are not actually present in the environment. It represents a symptom of an underlying mental health condition or neurological disorder, rather than a standalone diagnosis. Patients may report hearing voices speaking to them, music, or other auditory phenomena without an external source.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states the presence of auditory hallucinations. This symptom is frequently observed in conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, severe depression, substance-induced psychosis, and certain neurological disorders. Ensure the medical record clearly describes the patient's experience of hearing sounds that others do not.

• Always code the underlying primary mental health or neurological disorder first, as auditory hallucinations are a symptom.
• Do not confuse with illusions, which are misinterpretations of real external stimuli.
• Documentation should specify "auditory" to differentiate from other types of hallucinations (e.g., visual, tactile).