Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Failed Vision Screen(Z01.021, Z01.020)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Failed Vision Screen. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

Vision Screening FailureAbnormal Vision Screening

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Failed Vision Screen

Z01.020-Z01.021Primary Range

Encounter for examination of eyes and vision following failed vision screening

These codes are used to document follow-up examinations after a failed vision screening, with or without abnormal findings.

Disorders of refraction and accommodation

These codes are used as ancillary codes to specify the type of refractive error found during the examination.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
Z01.021Encounter for examination of eyes and vision following failed vision screening with abnormal findingsUse when the follow-up exam reveals abnormal findings after a failed vision screening.
  • Documented referral from a failed vision screening
  • Specific abnormal findings such as refractive errors or strabismus
Z01.020Encounter for examination of eyes and vision following failed vision screening without abnormal findingsUse when the follow-up exam does not reveal any abnormalities after a failed vision screening.
  • Documented referral from a failed vision screening
  • Normal examination results

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 failed vision screen

Essential facts and insights about Failed Vision Screen

The ICD-10 code for a failed vision screen with abnormal findings is Z01.021, while Z01.020 is used when no abnormalities are found.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for failed vision screen

Encounter for examination of eyes and vision following failed vision screening with abnormal findings
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of abnormal findings after a failed vision screening

Applicable To

  • Follow-up exam after failed vision screening with findings

Excludes

  • Routine eye exam without abnormal findings (Z01.00)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented referral from a failed vision screening
  • Specific abnormal findings such as refractive errors or strabismus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Failure to document specific abnormal findings
  • Omitting additional codes for specific conditions found

Coding Notes

  • Ensure to document the failed screening context and specific findings.

Ancillary Codes

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

Myopia

H52.13
Use to specify the type of refractive error found during the exam.

Differential Codes

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

Encounter for examination of eyes and vision without abnormal findings

Z01.00
Use Z01.00 for routine exams without a failed screening context.

Encounter for examination of eyes and vision with abnormal findings

Z01.01
Use Z01.01 for routine exams with findings not related to a failed screening.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Failed Vision Screen to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code Z01.021.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate clinical records, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential claim denials

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific findings, Use additional codes for specific conditions

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to claim denials due to incorrect coding, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Inaccurate data on vision screening follow-ups

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure the encounter is linked to a failed vision screening and use Z01.020 if no abnormalities are found.

Impact

Using general eye exam codes instead of specific failed screening follow-up codes

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation clearly links the encounter to a failed screening event.

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 Failed Vision Screen, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Failed Vision Screen

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Failed Vision Screen. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Follow-up exam after failed vision screening

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Reason for visit
  • Screening results
  • Current exam findings
  • Diagnosis
  • Plan

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient failed vision screening. Needs glasses.
Good Documentation Example
10yo presents for comprehensive eye exam following failed school vision screening (20/50 OD, 20/30 OS via Snellen). Parent reports squinting during distance tasks. Exam reveals: BCVA: 20/25 OD with -1.50 sph, 20/20 OS. Diagnosis: Myopia right eye.
Explanation
The good example includes specific screening results, exam findings, and a clear diagnosis.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Failed Vision Screen? Ask your questions below.

Ask about any ICD-10 CM code, or paste a medical note

We build tools for
clinician happiness.

Learn More at Freed.ai
Back to HomeBeta

Built by Freed

Try Freed for free for 7 days.

Learn more