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ICD-10 Coding for Corneal Abrasion(S05.01XA, S05.02XA)

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

Also known as:

Scratch on the corneaCorneal scratch

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Corneal Abrasion

S05.0Primary Range

Injury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body

This range includes codes for corneal abrasions without foreign bodies, specifying laterality and encounter type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S05.01XAInjury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body, right eye, initial encounterUse when documenting a corneal abrasion on the right eye without foreign body during the initial encounter.
  • Fluorescein staining under cobalt blue light
  • Slit lamp examination
S05.02XAInjury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body, left eye, initial encounterUse when documenting a corneal abrasion on the left eye without foreign body during the initial encounter.
  • Fluorescein staining under cobalt blue light
  • Slit lamp examination

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 corneal abrasion

Essential facts and insights about Corneal Abrasion

The ICD-10 code for corneal abrasion without foreign body is S05.01XA for the right eye and S05.02XA for the left eye, both for initial encounters.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for corneal abrasion

Injury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body, right eye, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of corneal abrasion confirmed by fluorescein staining

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation must specify right eye and initial encounter

Applicable To

  • Corneal abrasion, right eye, initial encounter

Excludes

  • Injury with foreign body (T15.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fluorescein staining under cobalt blue light
  • Slit lamp examination

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Omitting encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies laterality and encounter type to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Struck by basketball, initial encounter

W21.05XA
Use to specify the external cause of the injury.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified keratitis

H16.9
Use when infection is suspected; confirm with fluorescein staining.

Corneal ulcer

H16.0
Use when purulent discharge and infiltrate are present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Corneal Abrasion to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S05.01XA.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to improper treatment tracking., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document whether the encounter is initial, subsequent, or sequela.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to reduced reimbursement., Compliance: May result in non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific codes like S05.01XA or S05.02XA based on documented laterality.

Impact

Failure to include external cause codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the external cause of the injury.

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 Corneal Abrasion, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Corneal Abrasion

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

Emergency Department Visit for Corneal Abrasion

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Chief Complaint
  • History of Present Illness
  • Visual Acuity
  • Slit Lamp Examination
  • Fluorescein Staining
  • Assessment and Plan

Example Documentation

24 y/o male with right eye pain after basketball injury. VA: 20/50 OD, 20/20 OS. Slit lamp: 3mm dendritic abrasion at 5 o’clock OD, no FB. Fluorescein (+), Seidel (-). A/P: S05.01XA, W21.05XA. Rx: Erythromycin ointment QID, follow-up ophthalmology in 48h.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Eye scratch noted.
Good Documentation Example
Fluorescein staining under cobalt blue light revealed a 4mm linear abrasion at 3 o’clock on the right cornea, no foreign body observed.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the abrasion, laterality, and absence of foreign body.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Corneal Abrasion? Ask your questions below.

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