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ICD-10 Guide
Diagnoses.219

.219

ICD-10 Coding for Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma(H40.219)

PRIMARY SPECIALTYOphthalmology
COMPLEXITYHigh
LAST UPDATED09/15/2025
Sam Tuffun, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist | Medical Coding & Billing Contributor

Diagnosis Overview

What is .219?
Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma (ICD-10 code H40.219) is a serious ocular condition characterized by a sudden increase in intraocular pressure due to the closure of the anterior chamber angle. This condition can lead to rapid vision loss if not treated promptly. Key clinical points include: 1) It often presents with severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting; 2) Patients may exhibit blurred vision and halos around lights; 3) A mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil is a common finding; 4) It is more prevalent in individuals with hyperopia (farsightedness) and those of Asian descent. The etiology involves anatomical predispositions that lead to blockage of aqueous humor outflow. Pathophysiologically, the sudden closure of the angle prevents normal drainage, resulting in elevated intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve. Clinical presentation typically includes acute onset of symptoms, requiring immediate ophthalmologic evaluation and intervention to prevent irreversible damage to vision.

Key Clinical Considerations:

  • Diagnosis requires acute onset of symptoms such as severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting.
  • Signs include mid-dilated pupil, conjunctival injection, and corneal edema.
  • Resolution criteria involve normalization of intraocular pressure and alleviation of symptoms post-treatment.
  • Imaging findings may include gonioscopy showing closed angles and elevated intraocular pressure readings.

Clinical Information

Clinical Criteria & Documentation Requirements

  • Documentation must include detailed patient history, symptom description, and clinical findings.
  • Compliant documentation: 'Patient presents with severe eye pain and nausea, intraocular pressure measured at 45 mmHg.' Non-compliant: 'Patient has eye issues.'
  • Template phrases: 'Patient diagnosed with acute angle-closure glaucoma based on clinical findings of elevated IOP and closed angles.'
  • Medical necessity documentation must justify the urgency of treatment and potential for vision loss.

Coding Guidelines

Usage Guidelines & Examples

  • Use H40.219 when a patient presents with acute symptoms and confirmed closed angles; for example, a patient with sudden eye pain and high IOP.
  • Do NOT use this code for chronic glaucoma or other types of glaucoma without acute symptoms.
  • Correct usage: H40.219 for acute presentation; incorrect: H40.20 for chronic glaucoma.
  • Common errors include misclassifying acute episodes as chronic; ensure documentation reflects acute onset.

Code Exclusions

Important Exclusions

  • Excluded conditions include chronic glaucoma (H40.20) and secondary glaucoma (H44.1) as they do not present acutely.
  • Alternative codes for exclusions include H40.22 for chronic angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Common exclusion errors involve misdiagnosing acute episodes as chronic; ensure clarity in documentation.
  • Certain conditions are excluded to maintain specificity in coding and ensure accurate treatment pathways.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Primary Codes
H40.21
Primary billable code for acute angle-closure glaucoma, unspecified
H40.20
Related code for unspecified glaucoma
Ancillary Codes
Z79.3
Differential Codes
H40.211
H40.212

Related CPT Codes

CPT codes will be available in a future update.

Specialty Focus

Primary Specialty

Ophthalmology

Specialty Applications

  • This diagnosis applies to patients presenting with acute symptoms of angle-closure.
  • Appropriate in emergency settings where immediate intervention is required.
  • Applicable in both outpatient and inpatient settings, especially in ophthalmology clinics.
  • Specialty considerations include the need for urgent referral to ophthalmology for surgical intervention.

Coding Complexity

High Complexity

This diagnosis requires careful attention to:

  • Comprehensive clinical documentation
  • Accurate code selection based on clinical criteria
  • Proper exclusion considerations
  • Specialty-specific coding guidelines

Documentation

Documentation Templates

Template 1

Template: 'Acute angle-closure glaucoma diagnosed based on elevated IOP and clinical symptoms.'

Template 2

Template: 'Patient presents with severe eye pain and nausea consistent with acute angle-closure glaucoma.'

Template 3

Template: 'Diagnostic criteria met: intraocular pressure 45 mmHg, mid-dilated pupil, closed angles.'

Template 4

Template: 'Treatment plan includes laser iridotomy for acute angle-closure glaucoma.'

Billing Information

Billing Considerations

  • Ensure proper documentation for billing
  • Verify code specificity requirements
  • Check for any additional codes needed
  • Review payer-specific guidelines

Common Issues

  • Insufficient clinical documentation
  • Incorrect code selection
  • Missing supporting diagnoses
  • Timing and frequency documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

What documentation is required for this code?

Document acute symptoms, intraocular pressure readings, and clinical findings.

When should this code be used vs similar codes?

Use H40.219 for acute presentations; use H40.20 for chronic cases.

What are common billing issues with this code?

Issues may arise from lack of documentation supporting acute presentation; ensure thorough records.

What procedures are commonly associated?

Commonly associated procedures include laser peripheral iridotomy and medications to lower IOP.