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ICD-10 Coding for High Myopia(H44.21, H52.13)

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

Also known as:

Severe MyopiaPathologic MyopiaDegenerative Myopia

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to High Myopia

H44.2xPrimary Range

Degenerative myopia

Primary code range for high myopia with degenerative changes.

Myopia

Used for non-degenerative high myopia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H44.21Degenerative myopia, right eyeUse when degenerative changes are present in the right eye.
  • Axial length >32.5 mm
  • Fundus abnormalities such as staphyloma
H52.13Myopia, bilateralUse for high myopia without degenerative changes.
  • Refractive error ≤−6.00 D
  • No degenerative changes

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 high myopia

Essential facts and insights about High Myopia

High myopia is coded as H44.2x for degenerative cases and H52.1x for non-degenerative cases.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for high myopia

Degenerative myopia, right eye
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of axial length >32.5 mm and posterior staphyloma

Applicable To

  • Axial length >32.5 mm
  • Posterior staphyloma

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Axial length >32.5 mm
  • Fundus abnormalities such as staphyloma

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrect use without axial length documentation

Coding Notes

  • Ensure axial length and fundus findings are documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Retinal detachment

H44.5
Use when retinal detachment is a complication of degenerative myopia.

Differential Codes

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

Myopia, bilateral

H52.13
Use H52.13 when axial length is ≤32.5 mm and no degenerative changes are present.

Degenerative myopia, right eye

H44.21
Use H44.21 when degenerative changes are present.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting High Myopia to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H44.21.

Impact

Clinical: Inaccurate diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure biometry is performed for all high myopia cases, Train staff on documentation standards

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use H44.2x for degenerative myopia.

Impact

Lack of axial length documentation can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Implement mandatory documentation checks for axial length in high myopia cases.

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 High Myopia, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for High Myopia

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

Progressive high myopia with degenerative changes

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Visual acuity
  • Refractive error
  • Axial length
  • Fundus findings

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has high nearsightedness.
Good Documentation Example
62yo with progressive high myopia (OD: −14.50 D, OS: −15.25 D), axial lengths 33.2 mm OU. Fundus exam shows temporal peripapillary atrophy and diffuse chorioretinal thinning. Diagnosis: Bilateral degenerative myopia with axial elongation.
Explanation
The good example includes specific measurements and fundus findings, providing a complete clinical picture.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for High Myopia? Ask your questions below.

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