ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for vertigo
Confirmed by the official ICD-10-CM index entry “vertigo”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding vertigo
The ICD-10-CM code for vertigo is R42 (Dizziness and giddiness). The official index lists 12 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on R42.
It is also searched as BPPV.
Don't report R42 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: vertiginous syndromes (H81.-) and vertigo from infrasound (T75.23).
It is not a CC or MCC, so as a secondary diagnosis it doesn't change the MS-DRG severity level.
In MS-DRG v44.0, it is part of the grouping logic for DRG 149 (Dysequilibrium, relative weight 0.7527), in MDC 03 (Diseases and Disorders of the Ear, Nose, Mouth and Throat), as a principal or secondary diagnosis. The DRG a claim lands in depends on the principal diagnosis, procedures and any CC/MCC secondary diagnoses.
Related Vertigo codes
- H81.10 Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear
- H81.11 Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear
- H81.12 Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left ear
- H81.13 Benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateral
- H81.311 Aural vertigo, right ear
- H81.312 Aural vertigo, left ear
- H81.313 Aural vertigo, bilateral
- H81.319 Aural vertigo, unspecified ear
- H81.391 Other peripheral vertigo, right ear
- H81.392 Other peripheral vertigo, left ear
- H81.393 Other peripheral vertigo, bilateral
- H81.399 Other peripheral vertigo, unspecified ear
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for R42)
Common questions about vertigo ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for vertigo?
- R42 — Dizziness and giddiness. More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: H81.10, H81.11, H81.12, H81.13 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear?
- H81.10 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, unspecified ear.
What is the ICD-10 code for benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear?
- H81.11 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, right ear.
What is the ICD-10 code for benign paroxysmal vertigo, left ear?
- H81.12 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, left ear.
What is the ICD-10 code for benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateral?
- H81.13 — Benign paroxysmal vertigo, bilateral.
What is the ICD-10 code for aural vertigo, right ear?
- H81.311 — Aural vertigo, right ear.
What is the ICD-10 code for aural vertigo, left ear?
- H81.312 — Aural vertigo, left ear.
Is R42 billable?
- Yes. R42 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code valid for FY2027 (October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027).
Can R42 be used as a principal diagnosis?
- Yes. The Medicare Code Editor doesn't restrict R42 as a principal diagnosis.
Is R42 a CC or MCC?
- No. R42 is neither a CC nor an MCC under MS-DRG v44.0.