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ICD-10 Coding for Choroidal Nevus(D31.31, D31.32, H35.8)

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

Also known as:

Benign Neoplasm of ChoroidOcular Nevus

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Choroidal Nevus

D31.3-D31.32Primary Range

Benign neoplasm of choroid

This range covers benign neoplasms of the choroid, including choroidal nevus, with specific codes for laterality.

Other specified retinal disorders

Used for complications such as subretinal fluid associated with choroidal nevus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
D31.31Benign neoplasm of right choroidUse when a benign choroidal nevus is identified in the right eye without complications.
  • Fundus photography showing nevus
  • OCT confirming absence of subretinal fluid
D31.32Benign neoplasm of left choroidUse when a benign choroidal nevus is identified in the left eye without complications.
  • Fundus photography showing nevus
  • OCT confirming absence of subretinal fluid
H35.8Other specified retinal disordersUse as a secondary code when subretinal fluid is present with a choroidal nevus.
  • OCT showing subretinal fluid

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 choroidal nevus

Essential facts and insights about Choroidal Nevus

The ICD-10 code for choroidal nevus is D31.31 for the right eye and D31.32 for the left eye.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for choroidal nevus

Benign neoplasm of right choroid
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a benign appearing nevus in the right choroid

Applicable To

  • Choroidal nevus of right eye

Excludes

  • Malignant melanoma of choroid (C69.41)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fundus photography showing nevus
  • OCT confirming absence of subretinal fluid

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as malignant melanoma

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.

Other specified retinal disorders

H35.8
Use if subretinal fluid is present.

Differential Codes

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

Malignant melanoma of choroid

C69.41
Presence of irregular margins, thickness >2 mm, or orange pigment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Choroidal Nevus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code D31.31.

Impact

Clinical: Inadequate monitoring of potential growth., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims due to insufficient detail.

Mitigation Strategy

Always measure and record the basal diameter and thickness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific eye affected.

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential under-coding affecting DRG assignment., Compliance: Failure to fully capture the clinical picture., Data Quality: Incomplete patient data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure subretinal fluid is documented and coded with H35.8.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure laterality is always documented and coded.

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 Choroidal Nevus, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Choroidal Nevus

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

Routine ophthalmology exam with choroidal nevus

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Size and location of nevus
  • Presence of drusen or subretinal fluid
  • Stability over time

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Choroidal nevus observed.
Good Documentation Example
5.2 mm x 2.1 mm lightly pigmented choroidal nevus inferotemporal to optic disc in left eye. Overlying drusen, no subretinal fluid on OCT. Stable since 2022.
Explanation
The good example provides detailed size, location, features, and stability, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Choroidal Nevus? Ask your questions below.

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