ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH02.234

H02.234

Billable

Paralytic lagophthalmos left upper eyelid

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H02.234 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of paralytic lagophthalmos left upper eyelid.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Paralytic lagophthalmos of the left upper eyelid is characterized by the inability to fully close the eyelid due to paralysis of the facial nerve, often resulting from conditions such as Bell's palsy, stroke, or trauma. The eyelid anatomy includes the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for eyelid closure, and the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, which elevates the upper eyelid. In cases of lagophthalmos, the affected eyelid may remain partially open, leading to exposure keratopathy, dryness, and potential corneal damage. Disease progression can vary, with acute cases often improving over time, while chronic cases may require surgical intervention to restore eyelid function. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough clinical examination, patient history, and possibly imaging studies to assess underlying causes. Treatment may involve lubricating eye drops, eyelid weights, or surgical options such as tarsorrhaphy or eyelid reconstruction, depending on severity and duration of symptoms.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires understanding of facial nerve function and eyelid anatomy.
  • Treatment complexity: Management may involve both medical and surgical interventions.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes are necessary to justify the diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other eyelid disorders.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misidentifying the side of paralysis or using incorrect codes for eyelid disorders.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete patient history or lack of detailed examination notes.
  • Billing challenges: Potential denials due to insufficient documentation supporting the 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

Neurology

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

Paralytic lagophthalmos can significantly affect a patient's quality of life, leading to complications such as corneal exposure and chronic discomfort. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial, as it can arise from various neurological conditions affecting facial nerve function. Effective management can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization by preventing complications associated with untreated lagophthalmos.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Paralytic lagophthalmos can significantly affect a patient's quality of life, leading to complications such as corneal exposure and chronic discomfort. Understanding the epidemiology of this condition is crucial, as it can arise from various neurological conditions affecting facial nerve function. Effective management can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization by preventing complications associated with untreated lagophthalmos.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations include the need for detailed clinical notes that justify the diagnosis and treatment plan. Common denials may arise from insufficient documentation or failure to provide evidence of medical necessity for treatments such as lubricating drops or surgical interventions. Best practices include ensuring all relevant patient history and examination findings are documented clearly and accurately.

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 H02.234?

H02.234 specifically covers paralytic lagophthalmos of the left upper eyelid, which can result from facial nerve paralysis due to various etiologies such as Bell's palsy, trauma, or neurological disorders.

When should H02.234 be used instead of related codes?

H02.234 should be used when the clinical presentation specifically indicates paralysis of the left upper eyelid. It is important to differentiate from other eyelid disorders such as ptosis or lagophthalmos due to mechanical causes.

What documentation supports H02.234?

Documentation should include a detailed clinical examination, patient history indicating the cause of paralysis, and any treatment plans or interventions undertaken. Notes should clearly state the diagnosis of left-sided lagophthalmos.