ICD-10 Coding for Astigmatism(H52.21, H52.22)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Astigmatism. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Astigmatism
H52.2Primary Range
Disorders of refraction and accommodation
This range includes all codes related to astigmatism, specifying regular and irregular types with laterality.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| H52.21 | Irregular astigmatism | Use when documentation specifies irregular corneal curvature, often post-surgical or due to keratoconus. |
|
| H52.22 | Regular astigmatism | Use when documentation confirms regular corneal curvature. |
|
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 regular astigmatism
Essential facts and insights about Astigmatism
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for astigmatism
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of irregular corneal curvature on diagnostic tests
Applicable To
- Irregular corneal curvature
Excludes
- Regular astigmatism (H52.22-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Corneal topography showing irregular mires
- Keratometry readings indicating asymmetry
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrectly coding as regular astigmatism due to lack of specific documentation.
Coding Notes
- Ensure documentation specifies 'irregular' to avoid miscoding.
H52.22 - Regular astigmatism
Use when documentation confirms regular corneal curvature.
Applicable To
- Symmetrical corneal curvature
Excludes
- Irregular astigmatism (H52.21-)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Autorefraction showing symmetrical axis
- Keratometry with regular mires
Coding Notes
Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Presence of intraocular lens
Z96.1Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Astigmatism to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H52.21.
Impact
Clinical: Leads to incomplete patient records., Regulatory: Increases audit risk due to unspecified coding., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include eye-specific details in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality
Impact
Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audit due to unspecified coding., Data Quality: Affects accuracy of patient records and data analytics.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies type and laterality of astigmatism.
Impact
High audit risk when using unspecified codes due to lack of documentation.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation specifying type and 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 Astigmatism, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Astigmatism
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Astigmatism. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Routine eye exam with astigmatism diagnosis
Specialty: OptometryRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- Visual acuity
- Refraction results
- Keratometry readings
- Corneal topography
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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