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ICD-10 Coding for Eye Itching(H10.13, H10.453)

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

Also known as:

Ocular PruritusItchy Eyes

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Eye Itching

H10.0-H10.9Primary Range

Conjunctivitis

This range includes various types of conjunctivitis, which are common causes of eye itching.

Eye pain

This code is used for eye pain, which can be associated with itching but is not the primary focus.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H10.13Acute atopic conjunctivitis, bilateralUse when acute allergic conjunctivitis is confirmed and affects both eyes.
  • Bilateral eye itching with seasonal allergen exposure
  • Conjunctival hyperemia
H10.453Chronic allergic conjunctivitis, bilateralUse for chronic cases where symptoms persist beyond six weeks.
  • Year-round ocular pruritus
  • Papillary hypertrophy

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 chronic allergic conjunctivitis

Essential facts and insights about Eye Itching

The ICD-10 code for chronic allergic conjunctivitis is H10.453, used for bilateral cases with year-round symptoms.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for eye itching

Acute atopic conjunctivitis, bilateral
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilateral itching and seasonal allergen exposure.

Applicable To

  • Bilateral acute allergic conjunctivitis

Excludes

  • Chronic allergic conjunctivitis (H10.45)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bilateral eye itching with seasonal allergen exposure
  • Conjunctival hyperemia

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document allergen exposure and confirmatory tests.

Ancillary Codes

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

Conjunctival hyperemia

H11.33
Use to support allergic etiology.

Dry eye syndrome, bilateral

H04.123
Use when dry eye coexists with itching.

Differential Codes

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

Viral conjunctivitis

B30.1
Requires documentation of PCR/adenovirus testing.

Acute follicular conjunctivitis

H10.011
Differentiate based on bacterial vs. allergic etiology.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Eye Itching to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H10.13.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases audit risk., Financial: May result in denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific allergens and test results., Use templates to ensure comprehensive documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Increases risk of audit failures., Data Quality: Reduces accuracy of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Query provider to specify acute/chronic and etiology.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement regular training for coding staff on specificity requirements.

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

Documentation Templates for Eye Itching

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

Chronic allergic conjunctivitis with secondary dry eye

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Location: Conjunctiva bilateral
  • Onset: Chronic (>6 weeks)
  • Character: Itching worsens with pet exposure
  • Associated Findings: Papillary hypertrophy, Corneal punctate erosions
  • Testing: Serum IgE 300 IU/mL, eosinophils+ on conjunctival scraping
  • Impression: Chronic allergic conjunctivitis with secondary dry eye
  • Plan: Mast cell stabilizers, avoid allergens

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral itching, watery discharge, and cobblestone papillae. Chronic allergic conjunctivitis confirmed.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Eyes itchy, redness noted.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral limbal papillae, IgE 250 IU/mL, positive skin prick for dust mites.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and test results, supporting accurate coding.

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

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