ICD-10 Coding for Bacterial Conjunctivitis(H10.021, H10.023)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bacterial Conjunctivitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bacterial Conjunctivitis
H10.0-H10.2Primary Range
Conjunctivitis
This range includes codes for different types of conjunctivitis, including bacterial, which is the primary focus.
Bacterial agents as the cause of diseases classified elsewhere
These codes are used to specify the bacterial organism causing the conjunctivitis.
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 | Acute mucopurulent conjunctivitis, right eye | Use when there is purulent discharge in the right eye confirmed by lab tests. |
|
| H10.023 | Acute mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral | Use when there is purulent discharge in both eyes confirmed by lab tests. |
|
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 bacterial conjunctivitis
Essential facts and insights about Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bacterial conjunctivitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of purulent discharge and positive bacterial culture
Applicable To
- Purulent discharge
- Right eye involvement
Excludes
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Purulent discharge in right eye
- Gram stain positive for bacteria
Code-Specific Risks
- Incorrect laterality documentation
Coding Notes
- Ensure laterality is documented clearly to avoid unspecified coding.
H10.023 - Acute mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral
Use when there is purulent discharge in both eyes confirmed by lab tests.
Applicable To
- Purulent discharge
- Bilateral eye involvement
Excludes
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Purulent discharge in both eyes
- Gram stain positive for bacteria
Coding Notes
Ensure bilateral involvement is documented clearly to avoid unspecified 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 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
Always document which eye is affected, Use templates that prompt for laterality
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
Query provider to specify acute/chronic and laterality
Impact
High risk of audit for using unspecified codes without clinical justification
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure detailed documentation and use of specific codes
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 Bacterial Conjunctivitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bacterial Conjunctivitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Acute bacterial conjunctivitis presentation
Specialty: OphthalmologyRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Physical exam findings
- Lab results
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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