Understanding Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), also known as Cerebral Visual Impairment or Cortical Blindness? This resource provides information on CVI diagnosis, clinical documentation best practices, and relevant medical coding terms for healthcare professionals. Learn about the signs and symptoms of CVI in children and adults, and find resources for accurate CVI diagnosis and coding.
Also known as
Disorders of visual pathways
Includes disorders affecting the optic nerve and visual cortex.
Disorders of optic nerve and visual pathways
Covers various optic nerve and visual pathway issues, including unspecified.
Other disorders of the nervous system
Includes conditions not classified elsewhere in the nervous system chapter.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is visual impairment due to damage to the brain's visual pathways?
Yes
Is the cause trauma, hypoxia, or other brain injury?
No
Do NOT code as cortical visual impairment. Explore other visual impairment diagnoses based on the cause.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Vision loss due to brain damage, not eye damage. |
| Delayed visual maturation in infants; may resolve. |
| Vision loss from optic nerve damage. |
Coding CVI requires specifying laterality (right, left, or bilateral) for accurate reimbursement and data analysis. Unspecified laterality can lead to claim denials.
CVI diagnosis must be linked to underlying cerebral causes. Incorrectly attributing CVI to ocular conditions impacts coding accuracy and treatment planning.
CVI often coexists with other neurological or developmental conditions. Inadequate documentation of these comorbidities affects severity coding and resource allocation.
Q: What are the key diagnostic indicators differentiating Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) from other pediatric visual disorders like optic nerve hypoplasia or Leber's congenital amaurosis?
A: Differentiating Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) from other pediatric visual disorders requires careful assessment of several factors. While conditions like optic nerve hypoplasia and Leber's congenital amaurosis primarily affect the eye's structure or function, CVI stems from damage to the brain's visual pathways. Key indicators for CVI include characteristic visual behaviors such as strong preference for familiar objects, better visual performance in natural environments compared to clinical settings, and improved response to movement. These behaviors are less common in disorders like optic nerve hypoplasia, which typically presents with reduced visual acuity and visual field defects, or Leber's congenital amaurosis, characterized by severe vision loss from early infancy. Furthermore, CVI often shows improvement over time with appropriate intervention, unlike many other congenital visual impairments. Explore how neuroimaging techniques like MRI can help identify structural abnormalities in the brain's visual cortex supporting a CVI diagnosis and distinguishing it from ocular conditions.
Q: How can I effectively incorporate evidence-based assessment strategies for Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) into my neurodevelopmental examination of infants and toddlers?
A: Integrating evidence-based CVI assessment strategies into your neurodevelopmental examination involves using functional vision assessments that go beyond standard visual acuity tests. For infants and toddlers, consider implementing the CVI Range, which evaluates visual behaviors across various domains like color preference, visual latency, and visual field preferences. Observations of the child's visual responses in natural settings, such as play activities and interactions with caregivers, are crucial for understanding the functional impact of CVI. Tools like the Functional Vision Assessment for the Multiply Impaired (FVA-MI) can also provide valuable insights. Remember, a multidisciplinary approach, involving ophthalmology, neurology, and developmental pediatrics, is essential for comprehensive assessment and management of CVI. Learn more about the importance of a collaborative approach in diagnosing and supporting children with CVI.
Patient presents with suspected Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), also known as Cerebral Visual Impairment or Cortical Blindness. Clinical findings suggestive of CVI include fluctuating visual function, visual field deficits, difficulty with visual complexity, and atypical visual behaviors such as looking away from a desired object or using peripheral vision. The patient's medical history is significant for [mention specific neurological condition e.g., perinatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, traumatic brain injury, hydrocephalus]. Neuroimaging reports indicate [describe findings e.g., damage to the occipital lobes, optic radiations, or other visual pathways]. The patient's visual acuity is [document specific acuity measurements e.g., 20/200, light perception only]. Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) may be considered for further diagnostic evaluation. Differential diagnosis includes ocular visual impairment, optic nerve hypoplasia, and other neurological conditions. The current treatment plan focuses on visual rehabilitation strategies including environmental modifications, use of preferred visual stimuli, and compensatory techniques to maximize remaining visual function. Patient and family education regarding CVI prognosis and management are ongoing. ICD-10 code H47.61 (Cortical blindness) is being considered pending further diagnostic evaluation. CPT codes for vision testing and rehabilitation services will be applied as appropriate. Follow-up appointment scheduled for [date] to reassess visual function and adjust treatment plan as needed.