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H00.019
ICD-10-CM
Hordeolum

Learn about hordeolum (stye) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (H00.0, H00.1), medical coding guidelines, and differential diagnosis. Find information on chalazion vs. stye, external hordeolum vs. internal hordeolum, treatment options, and preseptal cellulitis considerations for accurate healthcare records. This resource provides comprehensive information for physicians, coders, and healthcare professionals seeking accurate and efficient documentation of hordeolum.

Also known as

Stye
Eyelid Abscess

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Localized infection or inflammation of an eyelid gland.
  • Clinical Signs : Red, swollen, painful lump on eyelid. May have pus.
  • Common Settings : Primary care, ophthalmology, optometry.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H00.019 Coding
H00-H59

Diseases of the eye and adnexa

Covers various eye conditions, including hordeolum (stye).

H00-H06

Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal system

Includes specific codes for hordeolum and other eyelid issues.

H00

Hordeolum and chalazion

Specifically classifies hordeolum (stye) and chalazion.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the hordeolum internal?

  • Yes

    Code H00.111 (Right upper eyelid), H00.112 (Right lower eyelid), H00.121 (Left upper eyelid), or H00.122 (Left lower eyelid), as appropriate.

  • No

    Is the hordeolum external?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Stye on eyelid
Chalazion (eyelid cyst)
Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Hordeolum location (e.g., upper, lower, external, internal)
  • Symptom onset and duration
  • Signs/symptoms: erythema, tenderness, swelling
  • Associated symptoms: pain, pruritus, photophobia
  • Differential diagnosis considered and ruled out

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding hordeolum without specifying right, left, or bilateral eye can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use H00.01x-H00.03x.

  • External vs. Internal

    Incorrectly coding external (stye) versus internal hordeolum impacts severity and treatment. CDI should query physician for clarification. H00.0 vs H00.1

  • Chalazion Miscoding

    Hordeolum and chalazion (H00.1) are distinct. Accurate documentation and coding are crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Warm compress: 10-15 mins, 3-4x/day
  • Avoid touching/rubbing eyes. Hand hygiene crucial
  • Discard eye makeup, avoid sharing to prevent spread
  • Topical antibiotic ointment per physician order for external hordeolum
  • Refrain from contact lens wear until resolution

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify localized eyelid swelling, redness, tenderness
  • Confirm absence of preauricular lymphadenopathy (if present, consider other diagnoses)
  • Rule out chalazion: Is lesion pointing outward (hordeolum) or inward (chalazion)?
  • Document location (external vs internal hordeolum) and laterality

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Hordeolum reimbursement: ICD-10 H00.0, CPT 67840 (incision and drainage), impacts payer policies.
  • Coding accuracy crucial: Differentiate chalazion (H00.1), impacts claim denial rates.
  • Quality metrics: Post-op infection rates, antibiotic prescribing, influence hospital quality reporting.
  • Timely documentation: Precise laterality (right/left/bilateral) impacts accurate coding and billing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How can I differentiate between a hordeolum and a chalazion in a clinical setting to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment?

A: Differentiating between a hordeolum (stye) and a chalazion can be challenging as both present as eyelid lumps. A hordeolum, an acute infection of the eyelid gland, typically presents with localized pain, redness, and swelling, often resembling a pimple or boil. It can be either external (involving the glands of Zeis or Moll) or internal (involving the meibomian gland). A chalazion, on the other hand, is a chronic, sterile granulomatous inflammation of the meibomian gland, typically presenting as a painless, firm lump. While initially a chalazion may be tender and inflamed, it eventually transitions to a non-tender nodule. Key differentiating factors include the presence of acute pain and surrounding erythema, more prominent in hordeola. Consider exploring how eyelid margin palpation and patient history, including the duration of symptoms, can aid in distinguishing these conditions. Learn more about the specific management strategies for each condition to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Q: What are the evidence-based best practice treatment options for an internal hordeolum refractory to conservative measures like warm compresses?

A: While warm compresses are often the first-line treatment for internal hordeola, promoting drainage and symptom relief, some cases may be refractory to this conservative approach. For persistent internal hordeola, consider implementing incision and curettage, a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia. This involves making a small incision on the conjunctival surface of the eyelid to drain the accumulated pus and granulation tissue. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline or azithromycin, may be indicated in cases of severe inflammation or associated cellulitis. Topical antibiotic ointments alone are generally not sufficient for treating internal hordeola. Explore the latest clinical guidelines for managing complicated hordeola and consider referring to an ophthalmologist for cases that do not respond to initial interventions or present with concerning features. Learn more about post-operative care and potential complications to ensure appropriate patient education and follow-up.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code H00.0 for external hordeolum
  • Code H00.1 for internal hordeolum
  • Document precise location, size
  • Specify if recurrent or acute
  • Rule out chalazion (H00.12)

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with a hordeolum, commonly known as a stye.  Symptoms include localized eyelid swelling, erythema, tenderness, and pain.  The patient may report a foreign body sensation, photophobia, and excessive tearing.  Examination reveals a palpable, erythematous nodule on the eyelid margin, consistent with an acute hordeolum.  Differential diagnoses include chalazion, blepharitis, and preseptal cellulitis.  The diagnosis of hordeolum is made clinically based on the presenting symptoms and physical examination findings.  Treatment plan includes warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, four times daily.  Patient education provided on proper hygiene techniques to prevent recurrence, including handwashing and avoiding touching the eyes.  Patient advised to avoid eye makeup and contact lens wear during the acute phase.  Follow-up recommended if symptoms worsen or do not improve within one week.  ICD-10 code H00.0 will be used for billing purposes.  The medical necessity for treatment is established by the patient's pain, impaired vision, and risk of complications if left untreated.