You Be the Coder:
Surgically Induced Astigmatism
Published on Thu Apr 12, 2007
Question: We have a patient who has had surgically induced astigmatism following cataract surgery. What diagnosis code or codes should I be using for this condition?
California Subscriber
Answer: You should report diagnosis codes 367.22 (Irregular astigmatism) and V45.61 (Cataract extraction status). Some patients may experience surgically induced astigmatism after cataract surgery until the incision heals. The sutures that the ophthalmologist places can cause a slight wrinkling of the cornea, and the patient can then experience astigmatism until the surgical wound fully heals. This is a complication that sometimes occurs after cataract surgery.
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