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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH11.003

H11.003

Billable

Unspecified pterygium of eye, bilateral

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/06/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 H11.003 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified pterygium of eye, bilateral.

Key Diagnostic Point:

H11.003 refers to an unspecified pterygium of the eye, bilateral. A pterygium is a benign growth of the conjunctiva that extends onto the cornea, often associated with exposure to UV light, wind, and dust. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as redness, irritation, and visual disturbances if the growth encroaches on the visual axis. The anatomy involved includes the conjunctiva, sclera, and cornea, with potential impact on the anterior segment of the eye. Disease progression can vary; some pterygia remain stable, while others may grow and require surgical intervention. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough eye examination, where the growth's size, location, and symptoms are assessed. Differential diagnoses may include other conjunctival lesions or corneal issues. Accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate management and to distinguish between different types of pterygia, which may have specific treatment protocols.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity
  • Treatment complexity
  • Documentation requirements
  • Coding specificity

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors
  • Documentation gaps
  • Billing challenges

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Ophthalmology

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Optometry

Documentation Requirements

Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply

Common Clinical Scenarios

Various clinical presentations within this specialty area

Billing Considerations

Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of H11.003 lies in its potential to affect visual acuity and quality of life for patients. Pterygium is more prevalent in populations with high UV exposure, impacting public health initiatives aimed at eye protection. Understanding the epidemiology of pterygium can inform healthcare utilization patterns, as patients may seek treatment for symptomatic growths, leading to increased demand for ophthalmological services.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of H11.003 lies in its potential to affect visual acuity and quality of life for patients. Pterygium is more prevalent in populations with high UV exposure, impacting public health initiatives aimed at eye protection. Understanding the epidemiology of pterygium can inform healthcare utilization patterns, as patients may seek treatment for symptomatic growths, leading to increased demand for ophthalmological services.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for clear evidence of bilateral involvement and the impact on the patient's vision. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity for procedures related to pterygium. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are thorough and that any surgical interventions are well-supported by the patient's clinical history.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for H00-H99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10 Official Guidelines for H00-H99
  • •
    Clinical Documentation Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

What specific conditions are covered by H11.003?

H11.003 covers bilateral pterygium without specifying the severity or type. It includes cases where the growth is not causing significant symptoms or visual impairment, as well as those that may require monitoring or intervention.

When should H11.003 be used instead of related codes?

H11.003 should be used when a patient presents with bilateral pterygium that does not fit the criteria for more specific codes (H11.001 or H11.002) and when the exact nature of the pterygium is unspecified.

What documentation supports H11.003?

Documentation should include a detailed eye examination report, noting the presence of bilateral pterygium, symptoms experienced by the patient, and any relevant history of exposure to risk factors. Photographic evidence may also support the diagnosis.