ICD-10 Coding for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis(H10.021, H10.023)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis
H10.0-H10.03Primary Range
Acute conjunctivitis
This range includes codes for acute conjunctivitis, specifically bacterial types, with differentiation based on laterality and type of discharge.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| H10.021 | Mucopurulent conjunctivitis, right eye | Use when acute bacterial conjunctivitis is confirmed in the right eye with mucopurulent discharge. |
|
| H10.023 | Mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral | Use when acute bacterial conjunctivitis is confirmed bilaterally with mucopurulent discharge. |
|
Clinical Decision Support
Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.
Key Information: ICD-10 code for acute bacterial conjunctivitis
Essential facts and insights about Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for acute bacterial conjunctivitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of purulent discharge and positive bacterial culture.
Applicable To
- Acute bacterial conjunctivitis with purulent discharge
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Presence of purulent discharge
- Conjunctival injection
- Positive bacterial culture
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as unspecified when laterality is documented.
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
H10.023 - Mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral
Use when acute bacterial conjunctivitis is confirmed bilaterally with mucopurulent discharge.
Applicable To
- Bilateral acute bacterial conjunctivitis with purulent discharge
Excludes
- Viral conjunctivitis (B30.1)
- Allergic conjunctivitis (H10.1-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bilateral purulent discharge
- Conjunctival injection
- Positive bacterial culture
Coding Notes
Document bilateral involvement to ensure correct coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H10.021.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation includes bacterial confirmation., Use lab results to support diagnosis.
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure laterality is clearly documented and use specific codes.
Impact
Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.
Mitigation Strategy
Educate providers on the importance of documenting laterality.
Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute bacterial conjunctivitis in urgent care
Specialty: OphthalmologyRequired Elements
- Patient age and gender
- Onset and duration of symptoms
- Type and laterality of discharge
- Conjunctival findings
- Response to treatment
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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