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

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

Also known as:

Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal DystrophyFECD

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Endothelial Dystrophy

H18.51-H18.519Primary Range

Endothelial corneal dystrophy

This range covers the specific types and laterality of endothelial corneal dystrophy, including Fuchs' dystrophy.

Corneal edema

Corneal edema is often associated with endothelial dystrophy and should be coded when present.

Corneal transplant complications

Used for coding complications related to corneal transplants in patients with endothelial dystrophy.

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 documentation specifies endothelial dystrophy affecting the right eye.
  • Specular microscopy showing endothelial cell loss in the right eye
  • Slit lamp findings of guttae in the right eye
H18.512Endothelial corneal dystrophy, left eyeUse when documentation specifies endothelial dystrophy affecting the left eye.
  • Specular microscopy showing endothelial cell loss in the left eye
  • Slit lamp findings of guttae in the left eye
H18.513Endothelial corneal dystrophy, bilateralUse when documentation specifies endothelial dystrophy affecting both eyes.
  • Specular microscopy showing endothelial cell loss in both eyes
  • Slit lamp findings of guttae in both eyes

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 dystrophy

Essential facts and insights about Endothelial Dystrophy

The ICD-10 codes for endothelial dystrophy include H18.511 for right eye, H18.512 for left eye, and H18.513 for bilateral cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for endothelial dystrophy

Endothelial corneal dystrophy, right eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of endothelial cell loss and guttae in the right eye

Applicable To

  • Fuchs' dystrophy affecting the right eye

Excludes

  • Other specified corneal dystrophies

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Specular microscopy showing endothelial cell loss in the right eye
  • Slit lamp findings of guttae in the right eye

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified laterality if documentation is incomplete.

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, unspecified eye

H18.20
Use when corneal edema is present without specific laterality.

Corneal edema, left eye

H18.21
Use when corneal edema is present in the left eye.

Corneal edema, bilateral

H18.23
Use when corneal edema is present in both eyes.

Differential Codes

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

Endothelial corneal dystrophy, unspecified eye

H18.519
Use only when laterality is not documented.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Endothelial 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: Leads to potential misdiagnosis or inappropriate treatment., Regulatory: Increases risk of audit and penalties., Financial: May result in denied claims or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Train staff on the importance of documenting laterality., Implement checklist for documentation completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to incorrect DRG assignment and reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Increases risk of audit and non-compliance findings., Data Quality: Affects the accuracy of clinical data and reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly states the laterality to use specific codes.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when laterality is documented.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation checks to ensure laterality is always 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 Dystrophy, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Endothelial Dystrophy

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

Bilateral Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history of vision changes
  • Slit lamp examination results
  • Specular microscopy findings
  • Pachymetry measurements

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral morning vision blurring. Slit lamp shows confluent central guttae OU. Pachymetry: OD 650μm, OS 670μm. Specular microscopy: endothelial cell density 800 cells/mm² OU.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Corneal dystrophy with edema.
Good Documentation Example
Bilateral Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy with significant corneal edema. Pachymetry: OD 650μm, OS 670μm.
Explanation
The good example specifies the type, laterality, and provides objective measurements.

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