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Q14.1
ICD-10-CM
Congenital Hypertrophy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Understand Congenital Hypertrophy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE), also known as Retinal Pigment Hypertrophy. Learn about CHRPE diagnosis, clinical documentation, and medical coding for healthcare professionals. Find information on CHRPE symptoms, associated conditions, and relevant medical terminology for accurate clinical records and billing. This resource provides essential guidance for documenting and coding CHRPE in healthcare settings.

Also known as

CHRPE
Retinal Pigment Hypertrophy

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Flat, dark pigmented spots on the retina, typically benign and congenital.
  • Clinical Signs : Bear tracks or grouped pigmented lesions on fundus exam, often asymptomatic.
  • Common Settings : Ophthalmology or optometry clinics during routine eye exams.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC Q14.1 Coding
H35.0-H35.09

Retinal disorders in diseases classified elsewhere

Covers retinal involvement in other systemic or localized conditions.

Q10-Q18

Congenital malformations of eye

Includes various congenital eye abnormalities, but specific CHRPE code may not exist.

H47.1-H47.19

Chorioretinal inflammations

Although not inflammatory, CHRPE can sometimes mimic inflammatory signs clinically.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium congenital?

  • Yes

    Is it Grouped CHRPE?

  • No

    Do NOT code as CHRPE. Explore acquired causes.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Flat, dark spots on the retina.
Elevated, dark pigmented lesions on retina.
Malignant tumor of the retinal pigment epithelium.

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Document CHRPE lesion size, shape, and color.
  • Note CHRPE location (e.g., peripheral, juxtapapillary).
  • Record number of CHRPE lesions present.
  • Differentiate between typical and atypical CHRPE features.
  • Rule out other retinal pigment epithelial lesions.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding

    Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for CHRPE can impact reimbursement and data accuracy. Proper ICD-10-CM coding with modifiers is crucial for compliance.

  • Specificity of Diagnosis

    Documentation must differentiate between isolated CHRPE and CHRPE associated with Gardner syndrome (familial adenomatous polyposis) for accurate coding (ICD-10 Q12.0 vs. H10.31).

  • Unilateral vs. Multiple CHRPE

    Distinguishing solitary CHRPE from multiple lesions affects coding and potential association with systemic conditions, requiring clear documentation for accurate medical coding and billing.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document CHRPE laterality (unilateral/bilateral) for accurate ICD-10 coding (H35.02).
  • Distinguish CHRPE from choroidal melanoma via clinical findings, imaging, and CDI queries.
  • Rule out Gardner syndrome with comprehensive history, exam, and appropriate referrals if multiple/large CHRPE.
  • Genetic counseling for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) if CHRPE linked to Gardner syndrome.
  • Regular ophthalmic exams to monitor CHRPE for any changes and ensure proper HCC coding.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm unilateral or multifocal pigmented lesions flat, well-circumscribed
  • Bear tracks or grouped CHRPE suggests familial adenomatous polyposis
  • Evaluate for lacunae within lesions indicative of CHRPE
  • Rule out other retinal pigment epithelium alterations like choroidal nevus
  • Document CHRPE features, size, and location using ICD-10 H35.52

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Reimbursement Impact Summary: Congenital Hypertrophy of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE) medical billing requires accurate ICD-10 coding (H35.02) for proper claim processing and maximizing reimbursement. Correct coding ensures appropriate payment for diagnostic tests and ophthalmological evaluations.
  • Coding Accuracy Impact: Precise CHRPE coding (ICD-10: H35.02, SNOMED CT: 1715005) is crucial for data integrity, minimizing claim denials, and optimizing revenue cycle management. Accurate documentation supports medical necessity for billed services.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Proper CHRPE diagnosis coding impacts hospital quality reporting metrics related to eye disease prevalence and management. Accurate data enables performance tracking and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Hospital Reporting Impact: Accurate CHRPE coding (ICD-10: H35.02) facilitates reliable epidemiological reporting, supports research on retinal diseases, and informs public health initiatives. Comprehensive data analysis contributes to better patient care.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes for . Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How can I differentiate Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE) from choroidal melanoma during a funduscopic exam?

A: Differentiating CHRPE from choroidal melanoma is crucial for appropriate management. CHRPE typically presents as a flat, well-circumscribed lesion with a lacunae, or depigmented halo. It often has sharp margins and may demonstrate a characteristic 'bearing tracks' appearance. In contrast, choroidal melanoma tends to be elevated, dome-shaped, and may exhibit orange pigment, subretinal fluid, or overlying drusen. Furthermore, melanoma often grows over time, while CHRPE is generally stable. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to confirm the diagnosis if there is diagnostic uncertainty. Explore how imaging modalities like UBM and OCT can enhance the diagnostic accuracy in differentiating CHRPE from other suspicious pigmented lesions. Consider implementing a routine follow-up schedule for patients with pigmented lesions to monitor for any changes.

Q: What are the recommended management and follow-up protocols for patients diagnosed with Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE), especially when multiple lesions are present?

A: Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE) is typically benign and requires no intervention for solitary lesions. However, multiple or grouped CHRPE lesions, especially if large and/or demonstrating atypical features like thickening or irregular margins, may raise suspicion for Gardner syndrome, a variant of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). In such cases, a thorough systemic evaluation, including a family history and potentially genetic testing for APC gene mutations, is warranted. Consider implementing a comprehensive risk assessment for FAP and genetic counseling for patients with multiple or atypical CHRPE lesions. Learn more about the association between CHRPE and Gardner syndrome to better manage patients with this finding.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code CHRPE with H35.06
  • Document lesion size/location
  • Rule out Gardner syndrome
  • Consider D07.7 for early CHRPE
  • Multiple CHRPE impacts coding

Documentation Templates

Patient presents for ophthalmological evaluation with a suspected Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CHRPE).  Review of systems includes questions regarding visual acuity, field defects, flashes, floaters, or any family history of CHRPE or Gardner syndrome.  Ophthalmoscopic examination reveals a flat, well-demarcated, pigmented lesion consistent with CHRPE.  The lesion exhibits characteristic features such as lacunae within the hyperpigmentation and a depigmented halo.  Differential diagnosis includes choroidal nevus, melanoma of the choroid, and other retinal pigment epithelial lesions.  Given the benign nature of isolated CHRPE findings, management consists of routine ophthalmologic monitoring for any changes in size, shape, or pigmentation.  Patient education regarding the natural history of CHRPE and the importance of regular eye exams is provided.  ICD-10 code H35.52 (other retinal disorders) is appropriate for billing and coding this condition.  Further investigation and genetic counseling may be considered if multiple or bilateral CHRPE lesions are present, raising suspicion for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Gardner syndrome.  Medical decision making is straightforward given the classic clinical presentation.
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