Understanding Drusen: Learn about macular drusen and retinal drusen diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare implications. Find information on Drusen treatment, symptoms, and prognosis. This resource provides essential details for healthcare professionals, patients, and researchers seeking information on Drusen in the eye.
Also known as
Drusen of macula and posterior pole
Codes for drusen affecting the macula and/or posterior pole of the eye.
Other retinal disorders
This code includes other specified retinal disorders not classified elsewhere.
Other specified retinal disorders
This code includes unspecified retinal disorders, potentially including drusen if not specified elsewhere.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the drusen related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?
Yes
Is the AMD wet or dry?
No
Is there any other underlying retinal condition?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Yellow deposits under the retina. |
| Age-related macular degeneration. |
| Retinal pigment epithelium changes. |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for drusen can impact reimbursement and data accuracy. Code with ICD-10-CM H35.3 and specify laterality.
Distinguishing between hard and soft drusen (e.g., using ICD-10-CM H35.31 for soft drusen) impacts medical necessity for certain treatments and diagnostics.
Drusen often indicates age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Accurate coding of AMD severity (e.g., dry or wet AMD) is crucial for proper reimbursement and treatment planning.
Q: What are the key differentiating features between hard drusen and soft drusen in macular degeneration diagnosis and management?
A: Hard drusen and soft drusen are distinct clinical findings in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with implications for prognosis and management. Hard drusen appear as small, round, yellow deposits with well-defined edges. They are often considered less ominous and associated with early AMD. Soft drusen, on the other hand, are larger, paler, and have less distinct borders. Their presence signifies a higher risk of progression to advanced AMD, including neovascular (wet) AMD with its attendant risks of vision loss. Differentiating between these two types of drusen requires careful fundus examination and sometimes ancillary imaging like optical coherence tomography (OCT). The size, shape, and confluence of drusen, along with pigmentary changes, inform the clinical classification of AMD and guide the frequency of follow-up and the discussion about potential interventions. Explore how OCT imaging can enhance the detection and characterization of drusen for improved AMD management.
Q: How can I effectively use multimodal imaging (e.g., fundus photography, OCT, fundus autofluorescence) to assess drusen progression and guide treatment decisions in patients with dry AMD?
A: Multimodal imaging plays a crucial role in evaluating drusen progression and guiding treatment decisions in dry age-related macular degeneration. Fundus photography provides a color image of the retina, documenting the presence, size, and distribution of drusen. OCT allows for a cross-sectional view of the retina, enabling precise measurement of drusen volume and height, as well as detection of subretinal fluid, a key indicator of disease progression. Fundus autofluorescence reveals areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction, often associated with drusen accumulation and AMD progression. By combining these imaging modalities, clinicians can obtain a comprehensive picture of the disease state, monitor changes over time, and personalize treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics. Consider implementing a standardized imaging protocol in your practice to ensure consistent and reliable assessment of dry AMD. Learn more about emerging imaging techniques for enhanced drusen characterization.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with possible macular degeneration, including blurred central vision and difficulty with fine detail. Funduscopic examination reveals the presence of drusen, specifically identified as small, hard drusen scattered throughout the macula. These macular drusen appear yellowish and are consistent with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Visual acuity testing demonstrates a mild reduction in central vision, corresponding to the observed drusen. Amsler grid testing reveals no metamorphopsia. Fluorescein angiography was not performed at this time. The patient denies any significant family history of macular degeneration. Current treatment plan includes monitoring the progression of drusen with regular eye exams, including assessment of drusen size and distribution. Patient education provided on risk factors for AMD progression, including smoking cessation, diet, and the use of AREDS2 vitamins. Diagnosis: Age-related macular degeneration, early dry type, with presence of drusen. ICD-10 code: H35.30. Return visit scheduled in six months for follow-up evaluation and potential optical coherence tomography (OCT) if clinically indicated based on drusen progression. Patient advised to report any changes in vision promptly.