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ICD-10 Coding for Retinopathy(E10.311, E11.359)

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

Also known as:

Diabetic RetinopathyHypertensive RetinopathyRetinal Disease

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Retinopathy

E08-E13Primary Range

Diabetes mellitus codes with complications

Primary range for diabetic retinopathy, detailing specific complications like retinopathy and macular edema.

Retinal disorders

Includes specific retinal conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy and retinal edema.

Hypertensive diseases

Used in conjunction with retinopathy codes to indicate hypertensive retinopathy.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
E10.311Type 1 diabetes mellitus with unspecified diabetic retinopathy with macular edemaUse when documenting type 1 diabetes with retinopathy and macular edema.
  • OCT showing macular edema
  • HbA1c >7% within 90 days
E11.359Type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edemaUse when documenting type 2 diabetes with proliferative retinopathy without macular edema.
  • FFA showing neovascularization
  • Absence of macular edema on OCT

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 diabetic retinopathy

Essential facts and insights about Retinopathy

The ICD-10 code for diabetic retinopathy depends on the type and complications, such as E10.311 for type 1 diabetes with retinopathy and macular edema.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for retinopathy

Type 1 diabetes mellitus with unspecified diabetic retinopathy with macular edema
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Presence of macular edema confirmed by OCT.

documentation Criteria

  • Type 1 diabetes and retinopathy stage must be specified.

Applicable To

  • Type 1 diabetes with retinopathy and macular edema

Excludes

  • Type 2 diabetes with retinopathy

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • OCT showing macular edema
  • HbA1c >7% within 90 days

Code-Specific Risks

  • Ensure macular edema is documented; otherwise, use E10.319.

Coding Notes

  • Ensure diabetes type and presence of macular edema are clearly documented.

Ancillary Codes

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

Cystoid macular edema

H35.06
Use when cystoid macular edema requires separate intervention.

Long-term (current) use of insulin

Z79.4
Use for insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes patients.

Differential Codes

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

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with unspecified diabetic retinopathy with macular edema

E11.311
Differentiate based on type of diabetes (Type 1 vs Type 2).

Type 2 diabetes mellitus with proliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema

E11.351
Presence of macular edema differentiates these codes.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Retinopathy to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code E10.311.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to inappropriate treatment plans., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims and audits.

Mitigation Strategy

Use specific terminology for retinopathy stages., Include imaging results in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: Incorrect coding can lead to denied claims., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Inaccurate patient records and data reporting.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document laterality and presence/absence of macular edema.

Impact

Using unspecified codes when specific codes are available.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific findings and stages of retinopathy.

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

Documentation Templates for Retinopathy

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

Diabetic Eye Exam

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Visual Acuity
  • Dilated Exam Findings
  • Imaging Results
  • Assessment with Specific Terminology

Example Documentation

Visual Acuity: OD 20/40, OS 20/25; Dilated Exam: Posterior pole shows microaneurysms; Imaging: OCT shows central subfield thickness 305μm OD.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Diabetic retinopathy present.
Good Documentation Example
Type 2 DM with severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, bilateral, showing >20 intraretinal hemorrhages per quadrant and IRMA in 3 quadrants, OCT shows central subfield thickness 315μm without cystoid changes.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details on the type, severity, and findings of retinopathy.

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

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