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ICD-10 Coding for Cystoid Macular Edema(H35.351, H59.031)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Cystoid Macular Edema. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

CMEMacular Edema

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Cystoid Macular Edema

H35.35-Primary Range

Cystoid macular degeneration

Primary range for non-postoperative cystoid macular edema.

Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery

Used for CME that occurs post-cataract surgery.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with macular edema

Used when CME is due to diabetic retinopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H35.351Cystoid macular degeneration, right eyeUse when CME is diagnosed in the right eye without a surgical cause.
  • OCT showing cystoid spaces and retinal thickness >300μm
  • Fluorescein angiography confirming petaloid leakage
H59.031Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery, right eyeUse when CME is diagnosed following cataract surgery in the right eye.
  • CME onset within 4-12 weeks post-cataract surgery
  • OCT showing subfoveal fluid and intraretinal cysts

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 cystoid macular edema

Essential facts and insights about Cystoid Macular Edema

The ICD-10 code for cystoid macular edema is H35.35- for non-postoperative cases and H59.03- for post-cataract surgery cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for cystoid macular edema

Cystoid macular degeneration, right eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • CME confirmed by OCT and fluorescein angiography

coding Criteria

  • No recent cataract surgery

Applicable To

  • Cystoid macular edema, right eye

Excludes

  • Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery (H59.031)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • OCT showing cystoid spaces and retinal thickness >300μm
  • Fluorescein angiography confirming petaloid leakage

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using for post-cataract CME

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies non-surgical etiology.

Ancillary Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema, right eye

E11.3511
Use when CME is associated with diabetic retinopathy.

Differential Codes

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

Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery, right eye

H59.031
Use when CME occurs after cataract surgery.

Cystoid macular degeneration, right eye

H35.351
Use when CME is not related to surgery.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Cystoid Macular Edema to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H35.351.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding standards., Financial: Potential claim rejections.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document which eye is affected., Use templates that prompt for laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use H59.031 for CME following cataract surgery.

Impact

Using H35.35- instead of H59.03- for post-cataract CME.

Mitigation Strategy

Verify surgical history and document appropriately.

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 Cystoid Macular Edema, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Cystoid Macular Edema

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Cystoid Macular Edema. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

CME post-cataract surgery

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Surgical details
  • OCT findings
  • Fluorescein angiography results

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: "Vision worsening OD 4 weeks after cataract extraction." **Objective**: - VA: 20/100 OD - OCT: Subfoveal fluid + intraretinal cysts OD **Assessment**: Cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery, right eye (H59.031) **Plan**: Topical prednisolone + NSAID regimen

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
"Post-op swelling noted."
Good Documentation Example
"CME diagnosed 6 weeks post-phacoemulsification, confirmed by OCT."
Explanation
The good example specifies the timing and diagnostic confirmation, providing a clear link to surgery.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Cystoid Macular Edema? Ask your questions below.

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