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ICD-10 Coding for Nystagmus(H55.0, H55.81)

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

Also known as:

Involuntary Eye MovementOscillating Eye Movements

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Nystagmus

H55Primary Range

Nystagmus and other irregular eye movements

This range includes all types of nystagmus and related irregular eye movements.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H55.0NystagmusUse when nystagmus is present without further specification.
  • Documented involuntary eye movements
  • Direction and characteristics of nystagmus
H55.81Gaze-evoked nystagmusUse when nystagmus is induced by lateral gaze.
  • Nystagmus present only in lateral gaze
  • Resolves with central fixation

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 nystagmus

Essential facts and insights about Nystagmus

The ICD-10 code for nystagmus is H55.0, covering general nystagmus. Specific types like gaze-evoked nystagmus are coded as H55.81.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for nystagmus

Nystagmus
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of involuntary eye movements

Applicable To

  • Congenital nystagmus
  • Acquired nystagmus

Excludes

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Documented involuntary eye movements
  • Direction and characteristics of nystagmus

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of using unspecified code when more specific details are available.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific characteristics of nystagmus.

Ancillary Codes

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

Positional nystagmus test

92542
Use when positional testing is performed to evaluate nystagmus.

Differential Codes

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

Gaze-evoked nystagmus

H55.81
Occurs only in lateral gaze and resolves with central fixation.

Nystagmus

H55.0
General nystagmus without specific gaze-related triggers.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Nystagmus to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H55.0.

Impact

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

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates for documentation, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: Potential denial of claims due to lack of specificity., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate clinical data representation.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation includes all specific characteristics to use the most accurate code.

Impact

Audits may focus on the specificity of documented nystagmus characteristics.

Mitigation Strategy

Use detailed templates and ensure comprehensive documentation.

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

Documentation Templates for Nystagmus

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

Neurology evaluation of nystagmus

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Direction and type of nystagmus
  • Triggers and modifying factors
  • Associated symptoms

Example Documentation

Patient exhibits horizontal jerk nystagmus, left-beating, with increased intensity in right gaze. No suppression with fixation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has nystagmus.
Good Documentation Example
Horizontal jerk nystagmus in primary gaze, left-beating, intensity increases in right gaze.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details about the nystagmus, including direction and gaze impact.

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

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