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ICD-10 Coding for Scratched Cornea(S05.01XA, S05.02XD)

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

Also known as:

Corneal AbrasionCorneal Scratch

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Scratched Cornea

S05.0Primary Range

Injury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body

This range includes codes for traumatic corneal abrasions, which are the primary focus for coding scratched corneas.

Recurrent erosion of cornea

This range is relevant for coding recurrent corneal erosions, which may occur after initial abrasions.

Foreign body on external eye, sequela

This range is used for coding sequelae of foreign bodies in the eye, which can complicate corneal abrasions.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
S05.01XAInjury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body, right eye, initial encounterUse for initial encounters of traumatic corneal abrasions without foreign body in the right eye.
  • Fluorescein staining showing epithelial defect
  • Slit-lamp examination findings
S05.02XDInjury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body, left eye, subsequent encounterUse for follow-up encounters of corneal abrasions in the left eye.
  • Ongoing epithelial healing observed
  • Follow-up slit-lamp examination

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 scratched cornea

Essential facts and insights about Scratched Cornea

The ICD-10 code for a scratched cornea is S05.01XA for the right eye, initial encounter.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for scratched cornea

Injury of conjunctiva and corneal abrasion without foreign body, right eye, initial encounter
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of an epithelial defect confirmed by fluorescein staining

documentation Criteria

  • Documentation of laterality and encounter type

Applicable To

  • Acute traumatic corneal abrasion

Excludes

  • Corneal abrasion with foreign body (T15.0-)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Fluorescein staining showing epithelial defect
  • Slit-lamp examination findings

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation
  • Missing encounter type

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes laterality and encounter type.

Ancillary Codes

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

Struck by basketball, initial encounter

W21.05XA
Use to document the mechanism of injury.

Activity, basketball

Y93.67
Use to document the activity during which the injury occurred.

Differential Codes

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

Recurrent erosion of cornea

H18.831
Use for recurrent erosions, not initial traumatic abrasions.

Recurrent erosion of cornea, left eye

H18.832
Use for recurrent erosions, not follow-up of initial abrasions.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Scratched Cornea to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code S05.01XA.

Impact

Clinical: Incomplete clinical picture of the injury., Regulatory: Non-compliance with reporting requirements., Financial: Potential loss of reimbursement for incomplete claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the mechanism of injury., Include relevant external cause codes.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines requiring specificity., Data Quality: Reduces the accuracy of health records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific eye affected.

Impact

Risk of audits due to use of unspecified codes.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes all required details for specific coding.

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

Documentation Templates for Scratched Cornea

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

Acute sports-related corneal abrasion

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Fluorescein staining results
  • Slit-lamp examination findings
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Patient presents with acute right eye pain after being struck by a basketball. Fluorescein staining reveals a 2mm corneal abrasion. Bandage contact lens applied.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Corneal abrasion noted.
Good Documentation Example
Fluorescein staining reveals 2mm abrasion in right cornea after basketball injury.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the injury mechanism, laterality, and clinical findings.

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

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