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ICD-10 Coding for Vitreous Floater(H43.39, H43.81)

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

Also known as:

Eye FloatersVitreous Opacities

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Vitreous Floater

H43.3-H43.8Primary Range

Disorders of vitreous body

This range includes codes for vitreous opacities and degeneration, which are relevant for coding vitreous floaters.

Presence of intraocular lens

This code is used as an ancillary code when the patient has pseudophakia.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
H43.39Other vitreous opacitiesUse when floaters are present without posterior vitreous detachment.
  • Dynamic IRcSLO imaging showing shadow artifacts
  • Patient reports floaters without PVD
H43.81Vitreous degenerationUse when floaters are due to posterior vitreous detachment.
  • OCT showing vitreofoveal traction
  • Weiss ring observed during examination

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 vitreous floaters

Essential facts and insights about Vitreous Floater

The ICD-10 code for vitreous floaters without PVD is H43.39, and with PVD is H43.81.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for vitreous floater

Other vitreous opacities
Non-billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Floaters present without PVD

Applicable To

  • Vitreous floaters without PVD

Excludes

  • Vitreous degeneration (H43.81)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Dynamic IRcSLO imaging showing shadow artifacts
  • Patient reports floaters without PVD

Code-Specific Risks

  • Risk of unspecified laterality

Coding Notes

  • Ensure laterality is specified to avoid unspecified coding.

Ancillary Codes

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

Presence of intraocular lens

Z96.1
Use if the patient has undergone cataract surgery and has an intraocular lens.

Differential Codes

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

Vitreous degeneration

H43.81
Use when floaters are associated with posterior vitreous detachment.

Other vitreous opacities

H43.39
Use when floaters are not associated with PVD.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Vitreous Floater to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code H43.39.

Impact

Clinical: Leads to incorrect diagnosis and treatment planning., Regulatory: Non-compliance with coding standards., Financial: Potential for claim denials.

Mitigation Strategy

Use OCT to confirm PVD., Include PVD status in documentation.

Impact

Reimbursement: May result in claim denials or reduced reimbursement., Compliance: Non-compliance with ICD-10 coding guidelines., Data Quality: Impacts the accuracy of patient records.

Mitigation Strategy

Always document and code for right, left, or bilateral involvement.

Impact

Coding without specifying laterality can lead to audit issues.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure documentation always includes laterality.

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

Documentation Templates for Vitreous Floater

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

Ophthalmology Progress Note for Floaters

Specialty: Ophthalmology

Required Elements

  • Subjective symptoms
  • Objective findings
  • Assessment
  • Plan

Example Documentation

**Subjective**: Reports floaters in the right eye worsening over 3 months. **Objective**: BCVA 20/40, PVD present. **Assessment**: H43.811 Vitreous degeneration, right eye. **Plan**: Observation.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has floaters.
Good Documentation Example
Patient reports floaters in the right eye with PVD confirmed by OCT.
Explanation
The good example specifies laterality and confirms PVD, supporting accurate coding.

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

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

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