Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Glaucoma(H40.11X-, H40.22X-)

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

Also known as:

Ocular HypertensionPrimary Open-Angle GlaucomaChronic Angle-Closure Glaucoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Glaucoma

H40-H42Primary Range

Glaucoma

This range includes all types of glaucoma, which is the primary focus for coding this condition.

Visual Impairment and Blindness

Used for coding vision loss due to glaucoma.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H40.11X-Primary open-angle glaucomaUse when primary open-angle glaucoma is diagnosed with specific laterality and stage.
  • IOP >21 mmHg
  • Open angle on gonioscopy
  • Characteristic optic nerve damage
H40.22X-Chronic angle-closure glaucomaUse when chronic angle-closure glaucoma is diagnosed with specific laterality and stage.
  • Narrow angles on gonioscopy
  • Elevated IOP
  • Optic nerve damage

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 glaucoma

Essential facts and insights about Glaucoma

Glaucoma is coded under ICD-10 range H40-H42, with specific codes for different types and stages.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma with specific stage.

Applicable To

  • Primary open-angle glaucoma

Excludes

  • Secondary open-angle glaucoma

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IOP >21 mmHg
  • Open angle on gonioscopy
  • Characteristic optic nerve damage

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect staging can lead to improper coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure accurate documentation of laterality and stage.

Ancillary Codes

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

Blindness and low vision

H54.-
Use to indicate vision impairment due to glaucoma.

Absolute glaucoma

H44.5-
Use for end-stage glaucoma with no visual potential.

Differential Codes

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

Glaucoma suspect

H40.0-
Use when glaucoma is suspected but not confirmed.

Ocular hypertension

H40.05-
Use when elevated IOP is present without optic nerve damage.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Glaucoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H40.11X-.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to denied claims or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always use the most specific code available, including laterality and stage.

Impact

Inadequate documentation of glaucoma stage.

Mitigation Strategy

Use standardized templates to ensure complete documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Glaucoma

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

Ophthalmology Progress Note

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Type of glaucoma
  • Laterality
  • Stage
  • IOP measurements
  • Optic nerve status

Example Documentation

Glaucoma Status: Type: Primary open-angle, Laterality: OD, Stage: Moderate, IOP: 22mmHg OD, Optic nerve: RNFL thinning.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Glaucoma stable, continue drops
Good Documentation Example
POAG OU, moderate stage (VF MD -8dB OD/-7dB OS). IOP 18 OU on latanoprost QHS.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the type, stage, and treatment plan.

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

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more