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ICD-10 Coding for Open-Angle Glaucoma(H40.1111, H40.1133)

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

Also known as:

Primary Open-Angle GlaucomaChronic Open-Angle Glaucoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Open-Angle Glaucoma

H40.11-H40.12Primary Range

Primary open-angle glaucoma and low-tension glaucoma

This range includes the primary codes for open-angle glaucoma, specifying laterality and stage.

Glaucoma suspect

Used for patients suspected of having glaucoma based on risk factors but without confirmed optic nerve damage.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H40.1111Primary open-angle glaucoma, right eye, mild stageUse when documenting mild stage primary open-angle glaucoma in the right eye.
  • IOP >21mmHg
  • Optic nerve head changes
  • Visual field defects
H40.1133Primary open-angle glaucoma, bilateral, severe stageUse when documenting severe stage primary open-angle glaucoma affecting both eyes.
  • IOP >21mmHg
  • Severe optic nerve damage
  • Significant visual field loss

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 open-angle glaucoma

Essential facts and insights about Open-Angle Glaucoma

The ICD-10 code for primary open-angle glaucoma varies by laterality and stage, such as H40.1111 for mild stage in the right eye.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for open angle glaucoma

Primary open-angle glaucoma, right eye, mild stage
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of elevated IOP and optic nerve changes

documentation Criteria

  • Document laterality and stage explicitly

Applicable To

  • Mild stage primary open-angle glaucoma affecting the right eye

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IOP >21mmHg
  • Optic nerve head changes
  • Visual field defects

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality and stage are documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific stage and laterality.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of agents affecting the immune system

Z79.82
Use to indicate long-term medication use for glaucoma management.

Differential Codes

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

Low-tension glaucoma, right eye, mild stage

H40.1211
Use when IOP is not elevated but optic nerve damage is present.

Low-tension glaucoma, bilateral, severe stage

H40.1233
Use when IOP is not elevated but severe optic nerve damage is present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Open-Angle Glaucoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H40.1111.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for stage documentation., Educate staff on the importance of complete documentation.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific type, laterality, and stage of glaucoma.

Impact

Failure to document all necessary elements for glaucoma coding.

Mitigation Strategy

Use comprehensive templates and conduct regular audits.

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

Documentation Templates for Open-Angle Glaucoma

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

Routine glaucoma follow-up

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • IOP measurement
  • Optic nerve evaluation
  • Visual field test results

Example Documentation

Patient presents for routine follow-up. IOP is 22mmHg OD, 20mmHg OS. Optic nerve shows CDR of 0.8 OD, 0.7 OS. Visual field shows arcuate scotoma OD.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has glaucoma.
Good Documentation Example
Patient has primary open-angle glaucoma, right eye, moderate stage.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, laterality, and stage, which are necessary for accurate coding.

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

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

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