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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH11.049

H11.049

Billable

Peripheral pterygium, stationary, unspecified eye

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H11.049 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of peripheral pterygium, stationary, unspecified eye.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Peripheral pterygium is a benign growth of conjunctival tissue that extends onto the cornea, typically originating from the nasal or temporal conjunctiva. This condition is characterized by a triangular or wing-shaped appearance and can lead to visual disturbances if it encroaches on the visual axis. The anatomy involved includes the conjunctiva, sclera, and cornea, with the anterior segment of the eye being primarily affected. Although classified as stationary, peripheral pterygium can progress slowly over time, potentially leading to irritation, redness, and astigmatism due to corneal distortion. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough ocular examination, where the growth's size, location, and impact on vision are assessed. Differential diagnoses may include other conjunctival lesions, such as pinguecula or conjunctival cysts. Treatment options vary based on symptoms and may include observation, lubricating eye drops, or surgical excision in cases of significant visual impairment or discomfort.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Moderate, as it requires differentiation from other conjunctival lesions.
  • Treatment complexity: Moderate, with options ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention.
  • Documentation requirements: Requires detailed clinical notes on the growth's characteristics and impact on vision.
  • Coding specificity: Specific to peripheral pterygium, but may require additional codes for associated symptoms.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of pterygium type or location.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding symptoms or visual impact.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the necessity for treatment is not clearly documented.

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

Peripheral pterygium can significantly affect visual quality and patient comfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization for symptomatic cases. Its prevalence varies by geographic location and environmental exposure, particularly in areas with high UV exposure. Understanding the epidemiology of pterygium can aid in developing preventive strategies and improving patient outcomes through early intervention and management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Peripheral pterygium can significantly affect visual quality and patient comfort, leading to increased healthcare utilization for symptomatic cases. Its prevalence varies by geographic location and environmental exposure, particularly in areas with high UV exposure. Understanding the epidemiology of pterygium can aid in developing preventive strategies and improving patient outcomes through early intervention and management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying the medical necessity for treatment, especially if surgical intervention is performed. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of symptoms or the need for surgery. Coders should ensure that all relevant clinical notes, including visual acuity assessments and treatment plans, are included to support the claim. Adhering to coding best practices, such as using the most specific codes available and ensuring accurate descriptions of the condition, can help mitigate billing challenges.

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 H11.049?

H11.049 specifically covers stationary peripheral pterygium that is not specified as affecting either the right or left eye. It is important to differentiate it from other types of pterygium and conjunctival lesions.

When should H11.049 be used instead of related codes?

H11.049 should be used when the pterygium is stationary and the eye affected is unspecified. If the pterygium is affecting a specific eye, the appropriate code for that eye should be used instead.

What documentation supports H11.049?

Documentation should include a detailed description of the pterygium's characteristics, its location, any associated symptoms, and the impact on the patient's vision. Visual acuity measurements and notes on treatment decisions are also essential.