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ICD-10 Coding for Eye Pain(H57.10, H57.11, H57.12, H57.13)

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

Also known as:

Ocular PainEye Discomfort

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Eye Pain

H57.1Primary Range

Ocular pain

Primary range for coding eye pain, specifying laterality and type.

Pain, not elsewhere classified

Used for pain management scenarios, particularly post-trauma or surgery.

Glaucoma

Used when eye pain is associated with glaucoma.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H57.10Unspecified eye painUse when eye pain is present but not further specified.
  • Documented eye pain without specific laterality or cause.
H57.11Right eye painUse when pain is specifically in the right eye.
  • Pain specifically documented in the right eye.
H57.12Left eye painUse when pain is specifically in the left eye.
  • Pain specifically documented in the left eye.
H57.13Bilateral eye painUse when pain is present in both eyes.
  • Pain documented 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: How is eye pain coded in ICD-10?

Essential facts and insights about Eye Pain

Eye pain is coded under ICD-10 as H57.1, with specific codes for right (H57.11), left (H57.12), and bilateral (H57.13) eye pain.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for eye pain

Unspecified eye pain
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

documentation Criteria

  • Document specific laterality and characteristics of pain.

Applicable To

  • General eye pain

Excludes

  • Pain due to foreign body (S05.9)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented eye pain without specific laterality or cause.

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of under-documentation if laterality is known.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is documented when known.

Ancillary Codes

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

Acute pain due to trauma

G89.11
Use when managing acute pain from trauma.

Differential Codes

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

Right eye pain

H57.11
Use when pain is specifically in the right eye.

Left eye pain

H57.12
Use when pain is specifically in the left eye.

Unspecified eye pain

H57.10
Use when laterality is not specified.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Eye Pain to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H57.10.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment decisions., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Financial: Potential for claim denials or reduced reimbursement.

Mitigation Strategy

Always include laterality in documentation., Use templates to ensure completeness.

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Specify laterality using H57.11, H57.12, or H57.13.

Impact

Failure to document laterality can lead to audit findings.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement documentation templates that require laterality.

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 Eye Pain, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Eye Pain

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

Emergency Department Visit for Eye Pain

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Laterality
  • Pain characteristics
  • Associated symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Clinical decision

Example Documentation

Patient presents with severe right eye pain, 8/10, sharp, worsened by light. IOP 32 mmHg, suspect acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient complains of eye pain.
Good Documentation Example
Severe (8/10) stabbing pain in right eye x 24 hours, exacerbated by bright lights. Pupils sluggish, IOP 32 mmHg. Suspect acute angle-closure glaucoma.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on pain characteristics, laterality, and associated findings, supporting accurate coding.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Eye Pain? Ask your questions below.

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