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ICD-10 Coding for Optic Nerve Edema(H47.11, H47.141)

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

Also known as:

PapilledemaOptic Disc Swelling

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Optic Nerve Edema

H47.1Primary Range

Disorders of optic nerve

This range includes codes for various optic nerve disorders, including papilledema, which is a primary concern in optic nerve edema.

Benign intracranial hypertension

This code is often used in conjunction with H47.11 to indicate the underlying cause of papilledema.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H47.11Papilledema associated with increased intracranial pressureUse when papilledema is confirmed with increased intracranial pressure.
  • Bilateral disc edema with obscuration of major vessels
  • RNFL thickness >200µm on OCT
  • LP opening pressure >25 cm H2O
H47.141Foster-Kennedy syndrome, right eyeUse when Foster-Kennedy syndrome is diagnosed with right eye involvement.
  • MRI evidence of frontal lobe mass
  • Ipsilateral optic atrophy
  • Contralateral disc edema

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 optic nerve edema

Essential facts and insights about Optic Nerve Edema

The ICD-10 code for optic nerve edema due to increased intracranial pressure is H47.11.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for optic nerve edema

Papilledema associated with increased intracranial pressure
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of bilateral optic disc swelling with increased intracranial pressure

Applicable To

  • Bilateral optic disc swelling due to increased intracranial pressure

Excludes

  • Optic neuritis (H46.0)
  • Ischemic optic neuropathy (H47.3)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Bilateral disc edema with obscuration of major vessels
  • RNFL thickness >200µm on OCT
  • LP opening pressure >25 cm H2O

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with other optic disc edemas
  • Incorrect sequencing with underlying conditions

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation supports increased intracranial pressure.

Ancillary Codes

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

Benign intracranial hypertension

G93.2
Use to indicate the underlying cause of papilledema.

Differential Codes

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

Optic nerve sheath hemorrhage

H47.021
Differentiate based on imaging showing hemorrhage without increased intracranial pressure.

Papilledema due to low ocular pressure

H47.12
Differentiate based on ocular pressure measurements.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Optic Nerve Edema to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H47.11.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality in clinical notes, Use templates that prompt for laterality

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect sequencing can lead to claim denials., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Always sequence the underlying condition code first, such as G93.2 before H47.11.

Impact

Billing without sufficient documentation of detailed sketches.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure all extended ophthalmoscopy claims include required 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 Optic Nerve Edema, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Optic Nerve Edema

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

Neuro-ophthalmology Progress Note

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Optic Disc Assessment
  • Frisén Grade
  • OCT Findings
  • ICP Evidence

Example Documentation

Bilateral optic disc elevation with obscuration of all major vessels (Frisén Grade 4), RNFL thickness 215µm with 65µm clock-hour variability on OCT, LP opening pressure 32 cm H2O

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Swollen optic nerves noted
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral optic disc elevation with circumferential halo obscuring vessels (Frisén Grade 3), RNFL thickness 195µm on OCT, urgent neurology consult requested for suspected IIH
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and a clear plan for further evaluation.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Optic Nerve Edema? Ask your questions below.

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