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ICD-10 Coding for Chemical Conjunctivitis(H10.21, T54.2X1A)

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

Also known as:

Acute Toxic ConjunctivitisIrritant Conjunctivitis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Chemical Conjunctivitis

H10.21Primary Range

Acute toxic conjunctivitis, including chemical conjunctivitis

This range covers the primary diagnosis of chemical conjunctivitis.

Toxic effects of substances chiefly nonmedicinal as to source

These codes identify the specific chemical and intent of exposure, which must be used in conjunction with H10.21.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H10.21Acute toxic conjunctivitisUse when there is documented exposure to a chemical irritant causing conjunctivitis.
  • Documentation of chemical exposure
  • Acute onset of symptoms
  • Absence of purulent discharge
T54.2X1AToxic effect of phenol and phenol homologues, accidentalUse when phenol is the chemical agent involved in the conjunctivitis.
  • Documented exposure to phenol
  • Accidental nature of exposure

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 chemical conjunctivitis

Essential facts and insights about Chemical Conjunctivitis

The ICD-10 code for chemical conjunctivitis is H10.21, which requires a T-code to specify the chemical agent.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for chemical conjunctivitis

Acute toxic conjunctivitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of conjunctival irritation following chemical exposure

coding Criteria

  • Sequence T-code before H10.21

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and chemical agent

Applicable To

  • Chemical conjunctivitis

Excludes

  • Allergic conjunctivitis
  • Viral conjunctivitis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documentation of chemical exposure
  • Acute onset of symptoms
  • Absence of purulent discharge

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect sequencing without T-code
  • Missing laterality specification

Coding Notes

  • Ensure the chemical agent is specified and documented in the patient's record.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of chemical exposure

Z87.891
Use when there is a documented history of previous chemical exposure.

Contact with and exposure to other hazardous, chiefly nonmedicinal, chemicals

Z77.098
Use to indicate exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Differential Codes

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

Viral conjunctivitis, unspecified

B30.9
Presence of viral infection signs and symptoms.

Acute atopic conjunctivitis

H10.1
Presence of allergic symptoms and history.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Chemical Conjunctivitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H10.21.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always ask about and document the specific chemical involved., Use structured templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied due to incomplete coding., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate data on chemical exposure incidents.

Mitigation Strategy

Always pair H10.21 with the appropriate T-code to specify the chemical agent.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential claim rejections for unspecified laterality., Compliance: Failure to meet coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data regarding affected eye.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes whether the condition affects the right, left, or both eyes.

Impact

Failure to sequence T-codes before H10.21 can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checks to ensure correct code order in documentation.

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 Chemical Conjunctivitis, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Chemical Conjunctivitis

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

Emergency Department Visit for Chemical Conjunctivitis

Specialty: Emergency Medicine

Required Elements

  • Chemical agent name
  • Exposure timing
  • Laterality
  • Irrigation details

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute bilateral chemical conjunctivitis due to accidental chlorine gas exposure. Exposure occurred 2 hours prior. Irrigated with 2L normal saline for 30 minutes.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Eye irritation from chemical
Good Documentation Example
Acute right eye chemical conjunctivitis (H10.211) secondary to accidental isopropyl alcohol splash (T51.4X1A) during laboratory work 3hrs prior. pH 7.2 after 1L NS irrigation. No corneal defects on fluorescein.
Explanation
The good example specifies the chemical agent, exposure details, and laterality, providing a complete clinical picture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Chemical Conjunctivitis? Ask your questions below.

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