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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH44.44

H44.44

Non-billable

Primary hypotony of eye

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H44.44 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of primary hypotony of eye.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Primary hypotony of the eye is characterized by an abnormally low intraocular pressure (IOP) that can lead to various complications affecting the eye's anatomy, particularly the vitreous body, globe, optic nerve, and extraocular muscles. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as blurred vision, visual field defects, and in severe cases, ocular discomfort. The condition can arise from several underlying causes, including surgical interventions, trauma, or inflammatory processes that disrupt the normal balance of aqueous humor production and outflow. As the disease progresses, the structural integrity of the globe may be compromised, leading to potential complications such as retinal detachment or optic nerve damage. Diagnostic considerations include comprehensive eye examinations, tonometry to measure IOP, and imaging studies to assess the optic nerve and vitreous body. Early detection and management are crucial to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires thorough evaluation of IOP and potential underlying causes.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve surgical or medical interventions depending on the etiology.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other forms of ocular hypotony.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification with secondary hypotony codes.
  • Documentation gaps: Insufficient clinical details regarding the cause of hypotony.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to lack of clear linkage between symptoms and diagnosis.

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

Primary hypotony of the eye can significantly impact patient quality of life, leading to visual impairment and increased healthcare utilization due to complications. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial for developing preventive strategies and improving patient outcomes. Quality measures may include monitoring IOP and ensuring timely intervention to prevent vision loss.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Primary hypotony of the eye can significantly impact patient quality of life, leading to visual impairment and increased healthcare utilization due to complications. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial for developing preventive strategies and improving patient outcomes. Quality measures may include monitoring IOP and ensuring timely intervention to prevent vision loss.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include ensuring that the diagnosis is clearly linked to the services provided. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to demonstrate medical necessity. Coders should ensure that all relevant details are captured in the medical record to support the diagnosis and any associated procedures.

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 H44.44?

H44.44 covers primary hypotony of the eye, which may arise from surgical complications, trauma, or idiopathic causes leading to low intraocular pressure without secondary factors.

When should H44.44 be used instead of related codes?

H44.44 should be used when the hypotony is determined to be primary and not attributable to other ocular conditions or systemic diseases, distinguishing it from secondary hypotony codes.

What documentation supports H44.44?

Documentation should include detailed clinical findings, IOP measurements, any relevant imaging studies, and a clear rationale for the diagnosis of primary hypotony.