Back to HomeBeta

ICD-10 Coding for Uveitis(H20.03, H44.11)

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

Also known as:

Ocular inflammationEye inflammation

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Uveitis

H20-H22Primary Range

Disorders of iris and ciliary body

This range includes codes for various types of uveitis, including anterior, intermediate, and panuveitis.

Disorders of choroid

This range includes codes for posterior uveitis and chorioretinal inflammation.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H20.03Infectious secondary anterior uveitisUse when anterior uveitis is confirmed to be caused by an infectious agent.
  • Positive PCR for infectious agent
  • Clinical signs of anterior uveitis
H44.11PanuveitisUse for inflammation involving the entire uveal tract.
  • OCT showing vitritis and chorioretinal lesions

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 infectious uveitis

Essential facts and insights about Uveitis

The ICD-10 code for infectious secondary anterior uveitis is H20.03, requiring documentation of the infectious agent.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for uveitis

Infectious secondary anterior uveitis
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Confirmed infectious etiology via lab tests

Applicable To

  • Anterior uveitis due to infection

Excludes

  • Non-infectious uveitis

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Positive PCR for infectious agent
  • Clinical signs of anterior uveitis

Code-Specific Risks

  • Incorrectly using this code without confirmed infection

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation specifies the infectious agent.

Ancillary Codes

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

Herpes zoster ophthalmicus

B02.32
Use when herpes zoster is the underlying cause of the uveitis.

Differential Codes

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

Unspecified iridocyclitis

H20.9
Use H20.9 only when the specific cause of uveitis is not determined.

Posterior cyclitis

H30.2
Use H30.2 for inflammation primarily affecting the posterior segment.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Uveitis to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H20.03.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to inappropriate treatment, Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards, Financial: Potential for denied claims

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure lab results are included in documentation, Use specific codes for known infections

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates, Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines, Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code the specific cause of uveitis if known.

Impact

High risk of audit if unspecified codes are used without justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document specific findings and etiologies.

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

Documentation Templates for Uveitis

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

Chronic anterior uveitis with systemic disease

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Patient history
  • Clinical findings
  • Lab results
  • Treatment plan

Example Documentation

Chronic anterior uveitis, right eye, associated with HLA-B27 positive ankylosing spondylitis.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Uveitis, both eyes.
Good Documentation Example
Chronic bilateral granulomatous iridocyclitis with mutton-fat KPs, sarcoidosis confirmed by ACE 120 U/L.
Explanation
The good example provides specific clinical findings and confirmed etiology.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Uveitis? 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