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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH16.07

H16.07

Non-billable

Perforated corneal ulcer

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H16.07 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of perforated corneal ulcer.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Perforated corneal ulcer is a serious ocular condition characterized by the formation of an ulcer in the cornea that has progressed to the point of perforation, leading to a breach in the corneal tissue. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as severe eye pain, redness, photophobia, and decreased vision. The anatomy involved primarily includes the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye, and may also affect adjacent structures like the conjunctiva and sclera. Disease progression can be rapid, often resulting from infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), trauma, or underlying conditions such as dry eye syndrome or autoimmune disorders. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough eye examination, slit-lamp microscopy, and possibly cultures to identify the causative organism. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent complications such as endophthalmitis or loss of vision.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires specialized ophthalmic examination and potential laboratory testing.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical intervention, such as corneal patch grafting or penetrating keratoplasty, alongside antimicrobial therapy.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to justify the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other corneal conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of the severity of corneal ulcers.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete records regarding the progression of the ulcer or treatment provided.
  • Billing challenges: Difficulty in justifying surgical procedures or advanced treatments due to lack of supporting documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Primary medical specialty: 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

Secondary specialty: Infectious Disease

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

CPT Code

Clinical Scenario

Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The clinical significance of H16.07 lies in its potential to cause severe vision loss and complications if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes a higher burden on healthcare resources due to emergency interventions and potential surgical procedures. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Epidemiologically, perforated corneal ulcers are more prevalent in populations with limited access to eye care, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The clinical significance of H16.07 lies in its potential to cause severe vision loss and complications if not treated promptly. Population health impact includes a higher burden on healthcare resources due to emergency interventions and potential surgical procedures. Quality measures may focus on timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Epidemiologically, perforated corneal ulcers are more prevalent in populations with limited access to eye care, highlighting the need for increased awareness and preventive measures.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the complexity of treatment, which may involve surgical procedures and follow-up care. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation of the condition's severity or the necessity of surgical intervention. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are comprehensive and that the rationale for treatment is clearly articulated in the medical record.

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 H16.07?

H16.07 specifically covers perforated corneal ulcers, which can arise from various etiologies including infectious agents, trauma, or underlying systemic diseases. It is critical to document the cause and extent of the ulceration.

When should H16.07 be used instead of related codes?

H16.07 should be used when there is clear evidence of corneal perforation. If the ulcer is not perforated, codes such as H16.01 or H16.02 should be utilized instead. Documentation must support the diagnosis of perforation.

What documentation supports H16.07?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, imaging studies if performed, treatment plans, and any laboratory results that confirm the diagnosis of a perforated corneal ulcer.