Advanced Search

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Blepharitis Type Drives Diagnosis Coding

Published on Thu Mar 27, 2008

Question: What is the proper ICD-9 code for patients with blepharitis?Tennessee SubscriberAnswer: The correct code depends on the type of blepharitis. For these patients, choose from one of the following diagnoses, depending on the encounter notes:• 373.00 -- Blepharitis, unspecified• 373.01 -- Ulcerative blepharitis• 373.02-- Squamous blepharitis.Also: When selecting one of the above diagnoses, be sure your ophthalmologist is treating a patient with blepharitis, not blepharoconjunctivitis.If notes indicate the patient has blepharoconjunctivitis, choose one of the following ICD-9 codes:• 372.20 -- Blepharoconjunctivitis, unspecified• 372.21 -- Angular blepharoconjunctivitis• 372.22 -- Contact blepharoconjunctivitis.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

View All