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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH16.122

H16.122

Billable

Filamentary keratitis, left eye

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H16.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of filamentary keratitis, left eye.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Filamentary keratitis is characterized by the presence of fine, thread-like filaments that adhere to the corneal epithelium, primarily affecting the left eye in this case. This condition often arises from dry eye syndrome, exposure keratopathy, or other corneal surface disorders. The cornea, a transparent layer covering the front of the eye, is crucial for vision and is composed of several layers, including the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium. Symptoms typically include irritation, redness, tearing, and blurred vision. The disease progression can lead to corneal scarring if left untreated, potentially resulting in vision impairment. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough patient history, slit-lamp examination, and possibly corneal staining with fluorescein to visualize the filaments. Treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, such as using artificial tears for dry eye or topical medications to reduce inflammation. In chronic cases, more invasive procedures may be necessary to restore corneal integrity.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires differential diagnosis to rule out other corneal disorders.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve multiple treatment modalities depending on the underlying cause.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other keratitis types.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the eye affected or using a non-specific code.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes that do not support the diagnosis.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials if the documentation does not clearly justify the treatment provided.

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

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Documentation Requirements

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

Filamentary keratitis can significantly impact patient quality of life due to discomfort and potential vision impairment. It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize and treat this condition promptly to prevent complications. Understanding the epidemiology of dry eye syndrome and related disorders can help in managing population health effectively. Quality measures related to eye care often include timely diagnosis and treatment of keratitis, which can influence healthcare utilization patterns.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Filamentary keratitis can significantly impact patient quality of life due to discomfort and potential vision impairment. It is essential for healthcare providers to recognize and treat this condition promptly to prevent complications. Understanding the epidemiology of dry eye syndrome and related disorders can help in managing population health effectively. Quality measures related to eye care often include timely diagnosis and treatment of keratitis, which can influence healthcare utilization patterns.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include verifying the patient's insurance coverage for ophthalmological services and ensuring that the procedure codes used align with the diagnosis. Common denials may occur if the documentation does not adequately justify the treatment or if the diagnosis is not clearly stated. Best practices include maintaining thorough clinical notes, using appropriate modifiers when necessary, and ensuring that all coding aligns with the latest guidelines.

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 H16.122?

H16.122 specifically covers filamentary keratitis affecting the left eye, which may be associated with dry eye syndrome, exposure keratopathy, or other corneal surface disorders. It is important to differentiate it from other types of keratitis, such as bacterial or viral keratitis.

When should H16.122 be used instead of related codes?

H16.122 should be used when the clinical presentation specifically involves filamentary keratitis in the left eye. It is essential to use this code when the condition is confirmed through clinical examination and is distinct from other keratitis types.

What documentation supports H16.122?

Documentation should include a detailed patient history, clinical findings from a slit-lamp examination, and any diagnostic tests performed, such as corneal staining. Notes should clearly indicate the diagnosis of filamentary keratitis and the specific eye affected.