Reader Question:
Postsurgery Astigmatism
Published on Sat Jun 01, 2002
Question: How should I code surgically induced astigmatism? California Subscriber Answer: The correct ICD-9 code for astigmatism occurring after a corneal transplant is 996.51 (Complications peculiar to certain specified procedures; mechanical complications of other specified prosthetic device, implant, and graft; due to corneal graft). If the astigmatism results from another procedure, use 998.83 (Other complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified; other specified complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified; non-healing surgical wound). If the cause was wound dehiscence, report 998.3 ( disruption of operation wound). As the secondary diagnosis, use 367.2x (Disorders of refraction and accommodation; astigmatism). For the repair of the surgically induced astigmatism, assign 66250 (Revision or repair of operative wound of anterior segment, any type, early or late, major or minor procedure) for wound revision related to dehiscence. If related to an atypical healing process after a procedure, bill 65772 (Corneal relaxing incision for correction of surgically induced astigmatism) or 65775 (Corneal wedge resection for correction of surgically induced astigmatism).
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