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ICD-10 Coding for Degenerative Myopia(H44.2-)

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

Also known as:

Pathologic MyopiaMalignant Myopia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Degenerative Myopia

H44.2Primary Range

Degenerative myopia

This range includes codes for degenerative myopia with various complications and laterality.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for degenerative myopia

Essential facts and insights about Degenerative Myopia

The ICD-10 code for degenerative myopia is H44.2-, covering various complications with required laterality specification.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for degenerative myopia

Degenerative myopia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Axial length greater than 26.5mm with retinal changes

documentation Criteria

  • Specific laterality and associated complications documented

Applicable To

  • Degenerative myopia with complications such as choroidal neovascularization, macular hole, or retinal detachment

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Axial length >26.5mm
  • Presence of retinal pathology such as posterior staphyloma or lacquer cracks

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of unspecified laterality leading to claim denials

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes axial length and specific retinal changes to support the use of H44.2- codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Blindness

H54.0-
Use to document vision impairment severity in degenerative myopia cases.

Differential Codes

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

Myopia

H52.1
Use H52.1 for simple myopia without degenerative changes or complications.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Degenerative Myopia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H44.2-.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate representation of the patient's condition., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough documentation of all findings and complications.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific eye affected (right, left, or bilateral).

Impact

Coding without specifying the affected eye(s) can lead to audit flags.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific laterality.

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 Degenerative Myopia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Degenerative Myopia

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

Documenting degenerative myopia with complications

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Chief complaint
  • History of present illness
  • Detailed eye examination
  • Imaging results
  • Assessment and plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with progressive vision loss. Axial length: 28.3mm OD/28.1mm OS. OCT shows foveoschisis OU. BCVA 20/60 OD, 20/50 OS.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high myopia with vision loss.
Good Documentation Example
Progressive degenerative myopia OU with axial lengths 28.3mm OD/28.1mm OS. Spectralis OCT shows foveoschisis OU.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and imaging findings, supporting the diagnosis and coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Degenerative Myopia? Ask your questions below.

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