Birth injury to eye
ICD-10 P15.3 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of birth injury to eye.
Birth injury to the eye can occur during the delivery process, often resulting from mechanical trauma. This injury may manifest as corneal abrasions, retinal hemorrhages, or even more severe conditions such as globe rupture. The incidence of eye injuries in neonates is relatively low, but when they occur, they can lead to significant long-term visual impairment if not properly identified and managed. Common causes include the use of forceps during delivery, prolonged labor, or abnormal fetal positioning. Clinicians must conduct thorough examinations to assess the extent of the injury and determine appropriate interventions. Management may involve referral to pediatric ophthalmology for specialized care, and documentation should include details of the delivery method, any instruments used, and the specific findings during the eye examination. Accurate coding is essential for tracking outcomes and ensuring appropriate reimbursement for care provided.
Neonatologists must document the specifics of the birth injury, including the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.
Common scenarios include eye injuries resulting from forceps delivery or vacuum extraction, requiring immediate assessment in the NICU.
Neonatologists should be aware of the potential for long-term visual impairment and ensure follow-up care is documented.
Pediatricians should document the history of the birth injury, including any referrals to specialists and follow-up assessments.
Pediatric cases may involve ongoing monitoring of visual development and management of any complications arising from the birth injury.
Pediatricians must consider the developmental impact of visual impairment and coordinate care with ophthalmology.
Used when a newborn with a birth injury to the eye is evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
Documentation must include the reason for the referral and findings from the examination.
Neonatologists should ensure that the referral process is well-documented to support the need for specialized care.
Common causes include the use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery, prolonged labor, and abnormal fetal positioning. These factors can lead to mechanical trauma to the eye.
