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ICD-10 Coding for Bilateral Glaucoma(H40.113_, H40.123_)

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

Also known as:

Glaucoma in both eyesBilateral ocular hypertension

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Bilateral Glaucoma

H40.1-H40.9Primary Range

Glaucoma

This range includes all types of glaucoma, including bilateral cases, with specific codes for laterality and stage.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H40.113_Bilateral primary open-angle glaucomaUse when both eyes have primary open-angle glaucoma of the same stage.
  • Cup-to-disc ratio ≥0.7 bilaterally
  • Symmetrical visual field loss
H40.123_Bilateral low-tension glaucomaUse when both eyes have low-tension glaucoma of the same stage.
  • IOP ≤21 mmHg with characteristic optic nerve damage in both eyes

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 bilateral glaucoma

Essential facts and insights about Bilateral Glaucoma

The ICD-10 code for bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma is H40.113_, with the seventh character indicating the stage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for glaucoma bilateral

Bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Both eyes must have the same type and stage of glaucoma.

Applicable To

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma affecting both eyes

Excludes

  • Secondary glaucoma

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Cup-to-disc ratio ≥0.7 bilaterally
  • Symmetrical visual field loss

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure stage is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Document the stage and type clearly to avoid unspecified codes.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified open-angle glaucoma

H40.10X-
Use H40.113_ when laterality and stage are specified.

Primary open-angle glaucoma

H40.11X-
Use H40.123_ when IOP is ≤21 mmHg.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Bilateral Glaucoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H40.113_.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incomplete clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for stage documentation., Regular training on documentation standards.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to reduced reimbursement due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases the accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Document the type, laterality, and stage to use specific codes.

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes can trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure complete documentation of type, laterality, and stage.

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

Documentation Templates for Bilateral Glaucoma

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

Bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma, moderate stage

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Diagnosis
  • Laterality
  • Stage
  • Findings
  • Treatment Plan

Example Documentation

Diagnosis: Primary open-angle glaucoma, bilateral, moderate stage. IOP: 24 mmHg OD, 23 mmHg OS. Treatment: Bimatoprost OU qHS.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Bilateral glaucoma
Good Documentation Example
Primary open-angle glaucoma, bilateral, moderate stage (cup-to-disc ratio 0.8 OU, MD -6dB OU)
Explanation
The good example specifies type, laterality, and stage, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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