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ICD-10 Coding for Detached Retina(H33.0, H33.2, H33.4)

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

Also known as:

Retinal DetachmentRhegmatogenous Retinal DetachmentTractional Retinal DetachmentSerous Retinal Detachment

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Detached Retina

H33.0-H33.8Primary Range

Retinal detachments and breaks

This range includes all types of retinal detachment, specifying the presence of breaks, traction, or serous detachment.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H33.0Retinal detachment with retinal breakUse when a retinal break is identified, causing detachment.
  • Photopsias
  • Floaters
  • Visible tear on fundoscopy
H33.2Serous retinal detachmentUse when detachment occurs without a retinal break.
  • Fluid accumulation without break
  • No visible tear on fundoscopy
H33.4Tractional retinal detachmentUse when detachment is due to traction, not a break.
  • Epiretinal membranes
  • No retinal break

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 detached retina

Essential facts and insights about Detached Retina

The ICD-10 code for a detached retina with a retinal break is H33.0. For serous detachment without a break, use H33.2, and for tractional detachment, use H33.4.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for detached retina

Retinal detachment with retinal break
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of a retinal break on examination

Applicable To

  • Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Excludes

  • Tractional retinal detachment (H33.4)
  • Serous retinal detachment (H33.2)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Photopsias
  • Floaters
  • Visible tear on fundoscopy

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding as tractional or serous detachment

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the type of break and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Diabetes with ophthalmic complications

E11.3
Use when detachment is related to diabetic retinopathy.

Differential Codes

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

Serous retinal detachment

H33.2
No retinal break present, fluid accumulation due to other causes.

Retinal detachment with retinal break

H33.0
Presence of a retinal break causing detachment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Detached Retina to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H33.0.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 requirements, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates with mandatory fields, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Use H33.05- for total or H33.8 only if partial and chronic.

Impact

Improper unbundling of CPT codes like 67113 and 67036.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure comprehensive documentation supports bundled billing.

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 Detached Retina, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Detached Retina

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

Ophthalmology Progress Note for Detached Retina

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective:** "72yo male reports sudden flashes OS ×2 days, progressing to inferior visual field loss." **Objective:** VA: 20/200 OS, IOP: 12 mmHg OS, Slit Lamp: Pigment in anterior vitreous (Schaffer’s sign), Dilated Exam: Rhegmatogenous detachment with U-shaped tear at 3 o’clock OS. Subretinal fluid extends to macula. B-scan: Confirms detachment without choroidal effusion. **Assessment:** H33.02 (Retinal detachment with multiple breaks, left eye) **Plan:** Urgent vitrectomy + scleral buckle.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Retinal detachment observed.
Good Documentation Example
Total rhegmatogenous detachment with 3 clock hours of lattice degeneration and giant retinal tear at 10 o’clock, right eye. Confirmed via scleral depression and OCT.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the type, location, and confirmation method of the detachment.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Detached Retina? Ask your questions below.

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