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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesH17.0

H17.0

Non-billable

Adherent leukoma

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

Code Description

ICD-10 H17.0 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of adherent leukoma.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Adherent leukoma, also known as corneal leukoma, is characterized by a dense, opaque area on the cornea that can result from various etiologies, including trauma, infection, or inflammation. Clinically, it presents as a white or grayish area on the cornea, which may be associated with visual impairment depending on its size and location. The anatomy involved primarily includes the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye, and may also involve adjacent structures such as the conjunctiva and sclera if the leukoma is extensive. Disease progression can lead to complications such as corneal scarring, neovascularization, and potential loss of vision. Diagnostic considerations include a thorough ocular examination, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and possibly imaging studies to assess the extent of corneal involvement. Differential diagnoses may include other forms of corneal opacities, such as corneal dystrophies or scars from previous infections. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate management and treatment options, which may include surgical intervention or therapeutic contact lenses.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Diagnostic complexity: Requires comprehensive ocular examination and differential diagnosis.
  • Treatment complexity: May involve surgical options like keratoplasty or therapeutic lenses.
  • Documentation requirements: Detailed clinical notes and imaging studies are necessary.
  • Coding specificity: Requires precise coding to differentiate from other corneal conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Common coding errors: Misclassification of leukoma types.
  • Documentation gaps: Incomplete clinical notes regarding the extent of corneal involvement.
  • Billing challenges: Denials may arise from 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

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

Adherent leukoma can significantly impact patient quality of life due to potential vision loss and the need for surgical intervention. In terms of population health, it may contribute to increased healthcare utilization, particularly in cases requiring corneal transplantation. Quality measures may include monitoring visual acuity outcomes post-treatment and the effectiveness of interventions. Epidemiologically, the condition can arise from various causes, highlighting the need for preventive measures in at-risk populations.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

Adherent leukoma can significantly impact patient quality of life due to potential vision loss and the need for surgical intervention. In terms of population health, it may contribute to increased healthcare utilization, particularly in cases requiring corneal transplantation. Quality measures may include monitoring visual acuity outcomes post-treatment and the effectiveness of interventions. Epidemiologically, the condition can arise from various causes, highlighting the need for preventive measures in at-risk populations.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

Reimbursement considerations may vary based on the complexity of the case and the procedures performed. Common denials can occur if documentation does not clearly establish the diagnosis or if the treatment provided is not adequately justified. Best practices include ensuring that all clinical notes are thorough and that any surgical interventions are well-documented to support the medical necessity of the 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 H17.0?

H17.0 covers adherent leukoma resulting from various causes such as trauma, infections like herpes simplex keratitis, or inflammatory conditions. It is characterized by a significant opacity on the cornea that adheres to underlying tissues.

When should H17.0 be used instead of related codes?

H17.0 should be used when the leukoma is adherent and associated with significant corneal scarring or opacification. It is differentiated from H17.1 when the leukoma does not adhere to the underlying corneal stroma.

What documentation supports H17.0?

Documentation should include a detailed ocular examination report, findings from slit-lamp examination, and any imaging studies that confirm the presence and extent of the adherent leukoma.