Injury of acoustic nerve, right side, initial encounter

This code signifies damage to the right acoustic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting auditory and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. This injury can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or balance disturbances affecting the right ear.

Apply this code for initial encounters involving a patient presenting with a new injury to the right acoustic nerve due to trauma, such as a skull fracture or direct impact. Documentation should clearly state the laterality (right side), the traumatic nature of the injury, and that this is the first time the patient is being seen for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "right side" and the traumatic etiology.
• Distinguish from non-traumatic acoustic nerve disorders, which would use codes from Chapter 8 (Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process).
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.