Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Anterior Uveitis(H20.01-, H20.1-, H20.03-)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Anterior Uveitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

IritisIridocyclitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Anterior Uveitis

H20.0-H20.9Primary Range

Disorders of the iris and ciliary body

This range includes all codes related to anterior uveitis, covering acute, chronic, and secondary forms.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H20.01-Acute and subacute iridocyclitisUse for acute presentations of anterior uveitis with sudden onset symptoms.
  • Sudden onset of eye pain
  • Photophobia
  • Cells and flare in anterior chamber
H20.1-Chronic iridocyclitisUse for chronic presentations with persistent symptoms.
  • Symptoms persisting over 3 months
  • Presence of synechiae
H20.03-Secondary iridocyclitis, infectiousUse when an infectious agent is confirmed as the cause.
  • PCR or antibody testing confirming infection
  • Systemic infection evidence

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 anterior uveitis

Essential facts and insights about Anterior Uveitis

The ICD-10 code for anterior uveitis includes H20.01- for acute cases and H20.1- for chronic cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for anterior uveitis

Acute and subacute iridocyclitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Acute onset of symptoms with anterior chamber inflammation

Applicable To

  • Acute iritis
  • Acute iridocyclitis

Excludes

  • Chronic iridocyclitis (H20.1-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sudden onset of eye pain
  • Photophobia
  • Cells and flare in anterior chamber

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented
  • Avoid unspecified codes

Coding Notes

  • Document acute symptoms and confirm diagnosis with slit-lamp examination.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Herpesviral iridocyclitis

B00.51
Use when herpes simplex virus is confirmed as the cause.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Chronic iridocyclitis

H20.1-
Chronicity over 3 months and presence of synechiae.

Acute and subacute iridocyclitis

H20.01-
Acute onset and short duration of symptoms.

Secondary iridocyclitis, noninfectious

H20.04-
Absence of infectious etiology.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Anterior Uveitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H20.01-.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Review patient history for symptom duration., Document persistence of symptoms over 3 months.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality and specific etiology when possible.

Impact

Using unspecified codes can lead to audits and denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific details such as laterality and etiology.

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 Anterior Uveitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Anterior Uveitis

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Anterior Uveitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Acute Anterior Uveitis

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Symptom onset
  • Eye examination findings
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with sudden-onset right eye pain and photophobia. Examination reveals 3+ cells in anterior chamber. Diagnosis: Acute anterior uveitis, right eye. Plan: Prednisolone acetate 1% q2h.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Uveitis, eye pain.
Good Documentation Example
Acute anterior uveitis, right eye, secondary to HLA-B27+ ankylosing spondylitis.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality, type, and underlying condition, improving specificity and compliance.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Anterior Uveitis? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more