The ICD-10 code range H43-H44 pertains to disorders of the vitreous body and globe. This includes conditions such as vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachments, and endophthalmitis. These codes are used to classify and document various ocular disorders, providing a standardized system for diagnosis, treatment, and billing.

Key Usage Points:

•Always specify the affected eye(s) when coding within this range.
•Use additional codes to identify any associated underlying conditions.
•For injuries, use additional code to identify any associated open wound.
•For postprocedural disorders, code first the specific procedure.
•When coding for retinal detachments, specify the presence or absence of retinal breaks.

Coding Guidelines

When to Use:

✓When a patient presents with vitreous hemorrhage.
✓When a patient has a retinal detachment with or without retinal break.
✓When a patient has endophthalmitis post-surgery.
✓When a patient has a degenerative myopia with macular hole and retinal detachment.
✓When a patient has a vitreous prolapse or disorder following cataract surgery.

When NOT to Use:

✗When the patient has a condition related to the eyelid or lacrimal system.
✗When the patient has a condition related to the cornea or lens.
✗When the patient has a condition related to the optic nerve or visual pathways.
✗When the patient has a condition related to the orbit.
✗When the patient has a condition related to the conjunctiva.

Code Exclusions

Always verify exclusions and cross-reference with the patient's medical record to ensure accurate coding.

Documentation Requirements

Documentation for disorders of the vitreous body and globe should be comprehensive, including the specific diagnosis, affected eye(s), any associated conditions, and the status of the disease.

Clinical Information:

•Specific diagnosis
•Affected eye(s)
•Associated conditions
•Status of the disease

Supporting Evidence:

•Clinical notes
•Imaging reports
•Surgical reports
•Referral letters

Good Documentation Example:

Patient diagnosed with vitreous hemorrhage in the right eye due to a retinal tear. The condition is currently active.

Poor Documentation Example:

Patient has eye problem.

Common Documentation Errors:

⚠Not specifying the affected eye(s)
⚠Not including associated conditions
⚠Not stating the status of the disease
⚠Not providing supporting evidence

Range Statistics

Total Codes

138

Billable

Complexity:

Medium

Primary Use:Clinical Documentation

Chapter:

Coding Complexity

Medium

Complexity Rating

The complexity of coding in this range is medium due to the need for specificity in the diagnosis, identification of affected eye(s), associated conditions, and the status of the disease.

Key Factors:

▸Specificity of the diagnosis
▸Affected eye(s)
▸Associated conditions
▸Status of the disease

Specialty Focus

These codes are primarily used by ophthalmologists and optometrists. They can also be used by other specialists when treating associated conditions.

Primary Specialties:

Ophthalmology

70%

Optometry

20%

Endocrinology

10%

Clinical Scenarios:

• Patient with vitreous hemorrhage due to retinal tear.
• Patient with retinal detachment with retinal break.
• Patient with endophthalmitis post-cataract surgery.
• Patient with degenerative myopia with macular hole and retinal detachment.
• Patient with vitreous prolapse following cataract surgery.

Resources & References

Resources for these codes include the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Optometric Association.

Disorders of vitreous body and globe

ICD-10 Codes (180)

Updates & Changes

FY 2026 Updates

Deleted Codes

Historical Changes

Upcoming Changes

Implementation Guidance

Range Overview