ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Conjunctivitis(H10.013, H10.023, H10.13, H10.33)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Bilateral Conjunctivitis. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Conjunctivitis
H10.0-H10.9Primary Range
Conjunctivitis
This range covers all forms of conjunctivitis, including bacterial, viral, and allergic types, with specific codes for bilateral cases.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| H10.013 | Acute follicular conjunctivitis, bilateral | Use when viral etiology is confirmed with bilateral follicular presentation. |
|
| H10.023 | Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral | Use when bacterial etiology is confirmed with mucopurulent discharge. |
|
| H10.13 | Acute atopic conjunctivitis, bilateral | Use when allergic etiology is confirmed with predominant itching. |
|
| H10.33 | Unspecified acute conjunctivitis, bilateral | Use when etiology is unknown and requires further clarification. |
|
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 bilateral conjunctivitis
Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Conjunctivitis
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for bilateral conjunctivitis
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Presence of viral symptoms and follicular conjunctivitis
Applicable To
- Viral conjunctivitis with bilateral follicular nodules
Excludes
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Bilateral follicular nodules
- Viral URI symptoms such as sore throat and cough
Code-Specific Risks
- Misclassification if bacterial etiology is suspected but not confirmed.
Coding Notes
- Ensure viral etiology is documented to avoid misclassification.
H10.023 - Other mucopurulent conjunctivitis, bilateral
Use when bacterial etiology is confirmed with mucopurulent discharge.
Applicable To
- Bacterial conjunctivitis with mucopurulent discharge
Excludes
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Copious yellow/green discharge
- Crusting of eyelids
- Positive Gram stain
Coding Notes
Ensure discharge type and bacterial confirmation are documented.
H10.13 - Acute atopic conjunctivitis, bilateral
Use when allergic etiology is confirmed with predominant itching.
Applicable To
- Allergic conjunctivitis with bilateral presentation
Excludes
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Itching predominant
- Seasonal allergies
- Papillary hypertrophy
Coding Notes
Ensure allergic symptoms and history are documented.
H10.33 - Unspecified acute conjunctivitis, bilateral
Use when etiology is unknown and requires further clarification.
Applicable To
- Bilateral conjunctivitis without specified etiology
Excludes
- Specific bacterial, viral, or allergic conjunctivitis
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Redness and tearing without discharge or itching
Coding Notes
Query provider if etiology is suspected but not documented.
Differential Codes
Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.
Documentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Conjunctivitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H10.013.
Impact
Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of non-compliance., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.
Mitigation Strategy
Always include laterality in documentation., Use templates that prompt for laterality.
Impact
Reimbursement: May affect DRG assignments and reduce reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audits., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure documentation specifies etiology and laterality.
Impact
High risk of audit if specific etiology is not documented.
Mitigation Strategy
Ensure thorough documentation of symptoms and test results.
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 Bilateral Conjunctivitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Bilateral Conjunctivitis
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Bilateral Conjunctivitis. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Specialty: OphthalmologyRequired Elements
- Bilateral purulent discharge
- Positive bacterial culture
- Treatment plan
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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