Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Preretinal Fibrosis(H35.561, H35.562, H35.563, H35.569)

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

Also known as:

Epiretinal MembraneMacular Pucker

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Preretinal Fibrosis

H35.56Primary Range

Preretinal fibrosis/macular pucker

This range includes specific codes for preretinal fibrosis with laterality.

Other disorders of vitreous body

Includes vitreous strands or traction that may accompany preretinal fibrosis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with ophthalmic complications

Used when preretinal fibrosis is related to diabetic retinopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H35.561Preretinal fibrosis, right eyeUse when preretinal fibrosis is confirmed in the right eye.
  • OCT showing epiretinal membrane
  • Amsler grid distortion
H35.562Preretinal fibrosis, left eyeUse when preretinal fibrosis is confirmed in the left eye.
  • OCT showing epiretinal membrane
  • Amsler grid distortion
H35.563Preretinal fibrosis, bilateralUse when preretinal fibrosis is confirmed in both eyes.
  • OCT showing epiretinal membrane
  • Amsler grid distortion
H35.569Preretinal fibrosis, unspecified eyeUse when preretinal fibrosis is confirmed but laterality is not specified.
  • OCT showing epiretinal membrane
  • Amsler grid distortion

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 preretinal fibrosis

Essential facts and insights about Preretinal Fibrosis

The ICD-10 code for preretinal fibrosis is H35.56, with specific codes for laterality: H35.561 for right eye, H35.562 for left eye, and H35.563 for bilateral.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for preretinal fibrosis

Preretinal fibrosis, right eye
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of epiretinal membrane on OCT

documentation Criteria

  • Documented laterality of the condition

Applicable To

  • Epiretinal membrane, right eye
  • Macular pucker, right eye

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • OCT showing epiretinal membrane
  • Amsler grid distortion

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified coding.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure OCT findings are documented to support the diagnosis.

Ancillary Codes

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

Other disorders of vitreous body

H43.89
Use if vitreous strands or traction are present.

Differential Codes

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

Macular hole

H35.3-
Macular hole involves a full-thickness defect in the macula, unlike preretinal fibrosis.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Preretinal Fibrosis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H35.561.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials due to lack of supporting evidence.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure OCT is performed and results are documented for all suspected cases., Train staff on the importance of including imaging findings in records.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate patient records affecting continuity of care., Regulatory: Non-compliance with specificity requirements., Financial: Increased risk of claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklists to ensure all required details are documented., Regular audits of documentation practices.

Impact

Reimbursement: Claims may be denied or delayed due to unspecified laterality., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Inaccurate data collection affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the affected eye(s) to use the correct laterality code.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to inappropriate billing., Compliance: Failure to comply with coding specificity requirements., Data Quality: Misleading clinical data affecting treatment decisions.

Mitigation Strategy

Differentiate based on OCT findings and clinical presentation.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings and claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory fields for laterality in EHR systems.

Impact

Lack of OCT documentation may result in unsupported diagnoses.

Mitigation Strategy

Require OCT reports for all preretinal fibrosis diagnoses.

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

Documentation Templates for Preretinal Fibrosis

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

Post-Operative Follow-Up

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient identification
  • Procedure details
  • Post-operative findings
  • Follow-up plan

Example Documentation

Patient is a 65-year-old male, post vitrectomy OD for ERM. Pre-op BCVA was 20/80, post-op 20/40. OCT shows resolved thickening. Plan: Monitor for cataract formation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient had eye surgery.
Good Documentation Example
Patient underwent vitrectomy OD for ERM. Pre-op BCVA 20/80, post-op 20/40. OCT shows resolved thickening.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the procedure, outcomes, and follow-up plan, ensuring comprehensive documentation.

Initial Diagnosis

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Clinical findings
  • Diagnostic imaging
  • Diagnosis

Example Documentation

72F reports wavy vision OS ×3mo. Fundus exam: cellophane reflex macula OS. OCT: ERM with retinal wrinkling. Amsler grid shows central distortion. Assessment: Idiopathic preretinal fibrosis OS.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has vision issues.
Good Documentation Example
72F reports wavy vision OS ×3mo. Fundus exam: cellophane reflex macula OS. OCT: ERM with retinal wrinkling.
Explanation
The good example includes specific symptoms, clinical findings, and diagnostic imaging results, leading to a clear diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Preretinal Fibrosis? 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