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ICD-10 Coding for Macular Scar(H31.011, H35.32x3)

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

Also known as:

Macular FibrosisMacular Pucker

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Macular Scar

H31.01-H31.019Primary Range

Postinflammatory or post-traumatic macular scars

This range is used for coding macular scars resulting from inflammation or trauma.

Inactive scars in AMD with CNV lesions

Used when macular scars are associated with age-related macular degeneration.

Macular pucker

Used for coding macular pucker, a type of macular scar.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H31.011Postinflammatory macular scar, right eyeUse when the scar is due to inflammation or trauma in the right eye.
  • OCT confirmation of scarring
  • History of inflammation or trauma
H35.32x3Inactive scar in AMD with CNV lesionsUse when the scar is associated with AMD and CNV lesions.
  • Evidence of prior CNV activity
  • OCT and FA findings

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 macular scar

Essential facts and insights about Macular Scar

The ICD-10 code for macular scar varies based on etiology and laterality, primarily using H31.011-H31.019.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for macular scar

Postinflammatory macular scar, right eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of postinflammatory changes confirmed by imaging.

Applicable To

  • Solar retinopathy
  • Post-traumatic macular scar

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • OCT confirmation of scarring
  • History of inflammation or trauma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality coding
  • Missing etiology documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified and etiology is documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Personal history of retinal disease

Z86.79
Use to indicate history of retinal disease when coding post-inflammatory scars.

Dry AMD stage

H35.31-
Use when AMD progression caused scarring.

Differential Codes

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

Macular pucker

H35.35
Presence of ILM wrinkling without full-thickness defect.

Idiopathic macular scars

H31.01x
Absence of AMD or diabetic retinopathy.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Macular Scar to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H31.011.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis coding, Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the cause of the scar, Use templates to ensure completeness

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement or denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding standards., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of healthcare data.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify the affected eye when documentation is available.

Impact

High risk of audit if laterality is not documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory laterality documentation in EHR systems.

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

Documentation Templates for Macular Scar

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

Macular scar due to post-inflammatory changes

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Etiology
  • Layer involvement
  • Imaging correlation

Example Documentation

Biomicroscopy reveals well-demarcated fibrotic lesion at foveal center OD with RPE mottling.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Macular scar noted OD
Good Documentation Example
Biomicroscopy reveals well-demarcated fibrotic lesion at foveal center OD (3x2 DD) with RPE mottling.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the scar's location, size, and associated findings.

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

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