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ICD-10 Coding for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma(H40.1111, H40.1123)

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

Also known as:

POAGChronic Open-Angle Glaucoma

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

H40.11-Primary Range

Primary open-angle glaucoma

This range covers all stages and laterality of primary open-angle glaucoma.

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 POAG in the right eye with clinical validation.
  • IOP ≥22 mmHg
  • CDR ≥0.7
  • RNFL thinning on OCT
H40.1123Primary open-angle glaucoma, left eye, severe stageUse when documenting severe stage POAG in the left eye with clinical validation.
  • Bilateral VF defects >12 dB MD
  • Stereoscopic disc photos

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 primary open-angle glaucoma

Essential facts and insights about Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

The ICD-10 code for primary open-angle glaucoma is H40.11-, with specific codes for laterality and stage.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for primary open angle glaucoma

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

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of mild stage indicators in the right eye

Applicable To

  • Mild stage POAG in the right eye

Excludes

  • Secondary glaucoma

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • IOP ≥22 mmHg
  • CDR ≥0.7
  • RNFL thinning on OCT

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect staging documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality and stage are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Low vision

H54.12-
Use if visual field MD ≥-12 dB.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified open-angle glaucoma

H40.10X-
Specify 'primary' to avoid using unspecified codes.

Ocular hypertension

H40.05-
Differentiate based on optic nerve damage presence.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Primary 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: Inadequate treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use templates that prompt for stage documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Denial risk due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Poor data quality affecting patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always specify 'primary' and stage to use H40.11- codes.

Impact

Using unspecified codes increases audit risk.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document type and stage.

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

Documentation Templates for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma

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

Documenting POAG in ophthalmology

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Type of glaucoma
  • Laterality
  • Stage
  • Clinical findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Glaucoma noted, will monitor.
Good Documentation Example
Primary open-angle glaucoma, right eye, severe stage (IOP 28 mmHg, CDR 0.9, 24-2 VF MD -14 dB).
Explanation
The good example specifies type, laterality, and stage, providing complete clinical context.

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

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