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H18.6
ICD-10-CM
Keratoconus

Find comprehensive information on keratoconus diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes H18.60 (keratoconus, unspecified), H18.61 (keratoconus, stable), H18.62 (keratoconus, unstable), and relevant healthcare terminology. Learn about keratoconus treatment options, diagnostic criteria, and proper medical record keeping for this corneal ectasia. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand keratoconus management.

Also known as

Conical cornea
KC

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Progressive eye disease thinning and steepening the cornea.
  • Clinical Signs : Blurred vision, distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light.
  • Common Settings : Ophthalmology clinics, optometry offices, contact lens specialists.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H18.6 Coding
H18.60-H18.69

Keratoconus

Covers various types and stages of keratoconus.

H52.0-H52.9

Disorders of cornea

Includes other corneal disorders which may be related or co-occur.

H57.1

Irregular astigmatism

A common symptom and finding in keratoconus.

Q13.4

Congenital corneal opacity

May be relevant in rare cases of congenital keratoconus.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the keratoconus unilateral or bilateral?

  • Unilateral

    Is it the right eye?

  • Bilateral

    Code H18.603

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Cornea thins and bulges
Post-LASIK ectasia
Pellucid Marginal Degeneration

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Keratoconus diagnosis code ICD-10 H18.60
  • Document corneal topography findings: steepening, asymmetry
  • Slit-lamp exam: Fleischer ring, Vogt striae, thinning
  • Pachymetry readings central/peripheral corneal thickness
  • Visual acuity with and without correction documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding keratoconus without specifying right, left, or bilateral eye can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting. Use modifiers RT, LT, or OU.

  • Stage Miscoding

    Incorrectly coding keratoconus severity stages impacts reimbursement. Accurate staging via topography or clinical findings is crucial for proper ICD-10 and medical coding compliance.

  • Conflicting Documentation

    Discrepancies between clinical documentation and diagnostic codes for keratoconus create audit risks. CDI specialists should ensure alignment for accurate healthcare billing and compliance.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document family history ICD-10 H18.60 for improved risk assessment.
  • Thorough eye exam with corneal topography crucial for early diagnosis H18.60.
  • Specialty lenses improve vision, delay CXL ICD-10 V25.9, slow KC progression.
  • Crosslinking CXL strengthens cornea, prevents progression Z41.89, compliant coding.
  • Monitor progression, document changes for optimal medical decision-making H18.60.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Verify decreased visual acuity, documented with Snellen chart. ICD-10: H18.60
  • 2. Confirm irregular astigmatism via keratometry/topography. ICD-10: H52.2
  • 3. Check for Vogt's striae or Fleischer's ring on biomicroscopy. ICD-10: H18.60
  • 4. Document corneal thinning using pachymetry for staging. ICD-10: H18.60
  • 5. Evaluate family history for keratoconus. ICD-10: H18.60

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Keratoconus Diagnosis Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payments for topography, crosslinking procedures. Maximize revenue with proper ICD-10 H18.6 codes, avoiding denials.
  • Keratoconus Quality Metrics: Accurate diagnosis coding (H18.6) affects hospital keratoconus prevalence reporting and quality metrics tied to diagnosis and treatment.
  • Impact: Improved coding accuracy increases appropriate reimbursements.
  • Impact: Accurate data allows better tracking of keratoconus treatment outcomes.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code H1882 for Keratoconus NOS
  • Document clinical findings precisely
  • ICD-10 Keratoconus codes: H188x
  • Use laterality codes (OD/OS)
  • Add topography/pachymetry details

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with keratoconus symptoms, including blurred vision, distorted vision, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), and difficulty with night vision.  Progressive visual acuity changes were noted.  Examination revealed corneal thinning and irregular astigmatism, characteristic of keratoconus.  Corneal topography confirmed the diagnosis of keratoconus, demonstrating the characteristic cone-shaped cornea and steepening.  Current best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was documented.  The patient's medical history, family history, and ophthalmic history were reviewed.  Risk factors for keratoconus, such as eye rubbing, atopy, and Down syndrome, were assessed.  Treatment options, including specialty contact lenses (e.g., scleral lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses), corneal cross-linking (CXL), and intracorneal ring segments (ICRS), were discussed with the patient.  The patient's refractive error was evaluated for potential spectacle correction.  The importance of regular follow-up for keratoconus management and monitoring of disease progression was emphasized.  ICD-10 code H18.60 (keratoconus, unspecified) was assigned.  Future management may include consideration of keratoplasty (corneal transplant) if the condition progresses significantly and impacts the patient's quality of life.  The patient was educated on keratoconus prognosis and the importance of adhering to the prescribed treatment plan.


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