ICD-10 Coding for Decreased Visual Acuity(H54.2X, H54.7)
Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Decreased Visual Acuity. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.
Also known as:
Related ICD-10 Code Ranges
Complete code families applicable to Decreased Visual Acuity
H54Primary Range
Blindness and low vision
This range includes codes for various levels of visual impairment, including blindness and low vision.
Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code
Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection
| Code | Description | When to Use | Key Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| H54.2X | Severe vision loss | Use when the patient has severe vision loss not classified as blindness. |
|
| H54.7 | Unspecified visual loss | Use when specific visual acuity or laterality is not documented. |
|
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 decreased visual acuity
Essential facts and insights about Decreased Visual Acuity
Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for decreased visual acuity
Decision Criteria
clinical Criteria
- Visual acuity between 20/200 and 20/400
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Visual acuity less than 20/200 but better than 20/400
Code-Specific Risks
- Ensure accurate documentation of visual acuity to avoid misclassification.
Coding Notes
- Ensure to document the underlying cause if applicable.
H54.7 - Unspecified visual loss
Use when specific visual acuity or laterality is not documented.
Applicable To
- Unspecified vision loss
Excludes
- Specific visual impairment codes (H54.0-H54.6)
Clinical Validation Requirements
- Lack of specific visual acuity documentation
Coding Notes
Query for more specific details if possible.
Ancillary Codes
Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.
Glaucoma
H40.11XDocumentation & Coding Risks
Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Decreased Visual Acuity to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H54.2X.
Impact
Clinical: Impairs treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement
Mitigation Strategy
Always include OD, OS, or OU in documentation, Use templates that prompt for laterality
Impact
Reimbursement: May result in lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit findings., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of clinical data.
Mitigation Strategy
Document specific visual acuity and laterality to use more precise codes.
Impact
High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without attempts to obtain specificity.
Mitigation Strategy
Query providers for more specific information when documentation is insufficient.
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 Decreased Visual Acuity, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.
Documentation Templates for Decreased Visual Acuity
Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Decreased Visual Acuity. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.
Patient with decreased visual acuity due to diabetic retinopathy
Specialty: OphthalmologyRequired Elements
- Chief complaint
- History of present illness
- Review of systems
- Visual acuity measurements
- Fundoscopic exam findings
Example Documentation
Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation
Poor Documentation Example
Good Documentation Example
Explanation
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