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ICD-10 Coding for Episcleritis(H15.101, H15.109)

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

Also known as:

Nodular episcleritisEpiscleritis periodica fugax

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Episcleritis

H15.1-H15.12Primary Range

Episcleritis and its subtypes

This range includes all specific codes for episcleritis, detailing laterality and type.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H15.101Unspecified episcleritis, right eyeUse when episcleritis is confirmed in the right eye without further specification.
  • Sectoral redness in the right eye
  • Blanching with phenylephrine
  • No scleral involvement
H15.109Unspecified episcleritis, unspecified eyeUse when episcleritis is confirmed but laterality is not documented.
  • General episcleral redness
  • Blanching with phenylephrine
  • No scleral involvement

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 episcleritis

Essential facts and insights about Episcleritis

The ICD-10 code for unspecified episcleritis is H15.109, but specific codes like H15.101 for the right eye should be used when laterality is documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for episcleritis

Unspecified episcleritis, right eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of sectoral redness and blanching with phenylephrine

documentation Criteria

  • Laterality must be specified as right eye

Applicable To

  • Episcleritis affecting the right eye without further specification

Excludes

  • Scleritis (H15.0xx)
  • Conjunctivitis (H10.xx)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sectoral redness in the right eye
  • Blanching with phenylephrine
  • No scleral involvement

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of audit if laterality is not specified
  • Confusion with scleritis if scleral involvement is not ruled out

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Dry eye syndrome

H04.12x
Use if dry eye syndrome is present as a comorbid condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis

M05.xx
Use if episcleritis is associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Differential Codes

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

Scleritis

H15.0xx
Presence of deep scleral involvement and severe pain.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Episcleritis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H15.101.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis as scleritis, Regulatory: Increases audit risk, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Include phenylephrine test results in documentation

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement rates, Compliance: Increases risk of audit, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of medical records

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the laterality of episcleritis to use specific codes.

Impact

Using unspecified codes without documenting laterality increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in the patient's record.

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

Documentation Templates for Episcleritis

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

Initial presentation of episcleritis

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Slit lamp examination findings
  • Phenylephrine test results
  • Pain assessment
  • Systemic review

Example Documentation

Patient presents with redness in the right eye. Slit lamp exam shows sectoral episcleral injection, blanching with phenylephrine. No scleral involvement. Diagnosed as episcleritis OD.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has red eye.
Good Documentation Example
Sectoral episcleral injection OD, blanching with phenylephrine 2.5%, no scleral involvement.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and includes clinical validation details.

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

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