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ICD-10 Coding for Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy(H18.511, H18.512, H18.513, H18.519)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Fuchs' DystrophyCorneal Endothelial Dystrophy

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

H18.51-H18.519Primary Range

Endothelial corneal dystrophy codes with laterality

This range includes all codes for endothelial corneal dystrophy, specifying laterality.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H18.511Endothelial corneal dystrophy, right eyeUse when endothelial corneal dystrophy is diagnosed in the right eye.
  • Specular microscopy showing guttae
  • Endothelial cell count < 1,000 cells/mm²
H18.512Endothelial corneal dystrophy, left eyeUse when endothelial corneal dystrophy is diagnosed in the left eye.
  • Specular microscopy showing guttae
  • Endothelial cell count < 1,000 cells/mm²
H18.513Endothelial corneal dystrophy, bilateralUse when endothelial corneal dystrophy is diagnosed in both eyes.
  • Specular microscopy showing guttae
  • Endothelial cell count < 1,000 cells/mm²
H18.519Endothelial corneal dystrophy, unspecified eyeUse only when laterality is not documented.
  • Specular microscopy showing guttae
  • Endothelial cell count < 1,000 cells/mm²

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 endothelial corneal dystrophy

Essential facts and insights about Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

The ICD-10 code for endothelial corneal dystrophy is H18.51-, with specific codes for laterality: H18.511 for the right eye, H18.512 for the left eye, and H18.513 for bilateral.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for endothelial corneal dystrophy

Endothelial corneal dystrophy, right eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of guttae and low endothelial cell count

Applicable To

  • Fuchs' dystrophy, right eye

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Specular microscopy showing guttae
  • Endothelial cell count < 1,000 cells/mm²

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect laterality documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented to avoid unspecified codes.

Ancillary Codes

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

Corneal edema

H18.20
Use when corneal edema is present alongside dystrophy.

Differential Codes

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

Bullous keratopathy

H18.10
Presence of epithelial bullae without guttae.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H18.511.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to incorrect treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement checklist for documentation review., Educate staff on importance of laterality.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation specifies laterality and use the appropriate code.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation audits to ensure laterality is recorded.

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 Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Diagnosis of Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient symptoms
  • Specular microscopy results
  • Pachymetry measurements
  • Slit lamp findings

Example Documentation

Patient presents with blurred vision and glare sensitivity. Specular microscopy shows guttae and endothelial cell count of 800 cells/mm². Pachymetry indicates corneal thickness of 620μm.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has corneal dystrophy.
Good Documentation Example
Patient diagnosed with bilateral endothelial corneal dystrophy, confirmed by specular microscopy showing guttae and endothelial cell count of 800 cells/mm².
Explanation
The good example specifies the type of dystrophy, laterality, and includes diagnostic test results.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy? Ask your questions below.

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