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ICD-10 Coding for Myopia(H44.2, H52.1)

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

Also known as:

NearsightednessShort-sightedness

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Myopia

Disorders of refraction and accommodation

Covers simple myopia without structural complications.

H44.2Primary Range

Degenerative myopia

Primary range for myopia with structural changes and complications.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H44.2Degenerative myopiaUse when myopia is accompanied by structural changes such as staphyloma.
  • Axial length >26.5 mm
  • Presence of staphyloma
H52.1MyopiaUse for simple refractive myopia without any degenerative changes.
  • Refractive error without structural changes

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 degenerative myopia

Essential facts and insights about Myopia

The ICD-10 code for degenerative myopia is H44.2, used for cases with structural changes like staphyloma.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for myopia

Degenerative myopia
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of structural changes like staphyloma.

Applicable To

  • Degenerative myopia with structural complications

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Axial length >26.5 mm
  • Presence of staphyloma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly coding simple myopia as degenerative.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports degenerative changes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Degenerative myopia with macular hole

H44.22
Use when macular hole is present as a complication.

Differential Codes

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

Simple myopia

H52.1
No structural changes or complications.

Degenerative myopia

H44.2
Presence of structural changes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Myopia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H44.2.

Impact

Clinical: Ambiguity in treatment plans., Regulatory: Potential non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Possible claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document which eye is affected.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Use H44.2- for cases with structural changes.

Impact

Increased scrutiny on unspecified laterality.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Myopia

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

Documenting degenerative myopia

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Axial length measurement
  • Presence of staphyloma
  • Refractive error

Example Documentation

Patient presents with axial length of 27 mm and posterior staphyloma. Diagnosis: Degenerative myopia.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high myopia.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has axial length of 27 mm with posterior staphyloma, diagnosed as degenerative myopia.
Explanation
The good example provides specific measurements and findings supporting the diagnosis.

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

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