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ICD-10 Coding for Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma(H40.219)

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

Also known as:

Acute Angle-Closure AttackGlaucoma Crisis

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

H40.2-H40.23Primary Range

Primary angle-closure glaucoma

This range includes codes for primary angle-closure glaucoma, including acute and chronic forms, with specifications for laterality.

Key Information: ICD-10 code H40.219

Essential facts and insights about Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

ICD-10 code H40.219 is for acute angle-closure glaucoma, unspecified eye, used when laterality is not documented.

Primary ICD-10-CM Code for .219

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, unspecified eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of acute symptoms and elevated IOP with unspecified laterality

documentation Criteria

  • Lack of specified laterality in the medical record

Applicable To

  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma attack
  • Acute angle-closure crisis

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Sudden onset of symptoms such as eye pain, nausea, blurred vision
  • Intraocular pressure (IOP) >30 mmHg
  • Gonioscopy showing closed angles

Code-Specific Risks

  • Potential for audit if used excessively without specifying laterality
  • May affect reimbursement if specificity is required by payer

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies 'acute' and 'angle-closure' to avoid confusion with chronic glaucoma codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Long-term (current) use of hormonal contraceptives

Z79.3
Use if long-term steroid use is a contributing factor to the glaucoma.

Differential Codes

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

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, right eye

H40.211
Use when the right eye is specified as affected.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma, left eye

H40.212
Use when the left eye is specified as affected.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H40.219.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment planning, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims due to lack of specificity

Mitigation Strategy

Always document the affected eye when possible, Query the provider if laterality is unclear

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding may lead to denied claims, Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data reporting

Mitigation Strategy

Use H40.22- for chronic cases

Impact

Frequent use of unspecified codes may trigger audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation is as specific as possible and query providers when necessary.

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

Documentation Templates for Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma

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

Emergency Department Presentation

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history and symptom onset
  • Intraocular pressure measurements
  • Gonioscopy findings
  • Eye examination results

Example Documentation

68-year-old female presents with sudden-onset right eye pain, nausea, and halos for 4 hours. IOP 56 mmHg OD, gonioscopy shows 360° angle closure.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has glaucoma.
Good Documentation Example
Acute angle-closure glaucoma crisis with IOP 58 mmHg OD, corneal edema, and 270° peripheral anterior synechiae on gonioscopy.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and laterality, improving coding accuracy.

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

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