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H35.419
ICD-10-CM
Lattice Degeneration

Understand lattice degeneration, a peripheral retinal condition. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, ICD-10 codes (H33.23, H33.29), clinical documentation requirements, and treatment options for lattice retinal degeneration. Find information on retinal specialists, ophthalmology, and vitreoretinal surgery related to lattice degeneration management. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, including diagnostic criteria and coding guidelines for this vitreoretinal disorder.

Also known as

Peripheral Retinal Degeneration
Retinal Lattice Degeneration

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Thinning of the peripheral retina, forming lattice-like lines.
  • Clinical Signs : Often asymptomatic, but flashes, floaters, or blurred vision can occur.
  • Common Settings : Ophthalmology or optometry clinics, diagnosed via dilated eye exam.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H35.419 Coding
H43-H45

Disorders of vitreous body and globe

Covers various eye disorders including lattice degeneration.

H44

Vitreous hemorrhage and detachment

Includes conditions sometimes associated with lattice degeneration.

H35

Retinal detachments and breaks

Lattice degeneration can predispose to retinal tears and detachments.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the lattice degeneration symptomatic?

  • Yes

    Is there a retinal tear?

  • No

    Is there a retinal tear?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Lattice degeneration of retina
Retinal tear
Retinal detachment

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Lattice degeneration location, clock hour documented
  • Symptoms: flashes, floaters, blurred vision, or asymptomatic
  • Peripheral retinal breaks/tears presence/absence noted
  • Vitreous syneresis/liquefaction findings documented
  • Atrophic holes size, shape, number documented

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding Lattice Degeneration without specifying which eye (right, left, or bilateral) leads to claim rejections and inaccurate data.

  • Unbilled Retinal Tears

    Missing documentation of associated retinal tears with Lattice Degeneration can cause lost revenue opportunities and undercoding.

  • Confusing with Degenerative Myopia

    Incorrectly coding Degenerative Myopia as Lattice Degeneration leads to inaccurate reporting and potential compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 H33.24 accurate coding for Lattice Degeneration
  • Document retinal findings, slit-lamp exam details, risk factors
  • Timely follow-up, prophylactic treatment if indicated improves outcomes
  • Patient education on symptoms, risks, and preventative measures
  • Detailed chart notes for compliance, minimizing medical errors

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm peripheral retinal thinning with snail-track appearance documented
  • Verify presence of atrophic holes within lattice lesions in chart
  • Check for associated vitreous abnormalities like syneresis or detachment
  • Assess risk factors myopia documented family history recorded
  • Advise patient on increased risk of retinal tears and detachments

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Lattice Degeneration Reimbursement: Impacts coding for peripheral retinal breaks, vitreoretinal surgery, prophylactic laser photocoagulation. Coding accuracy crucial for maximizing reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Lattice degeneration documentation impacts quality reporting on retinal detachment prevention strategies and appropriate follow-up care.
  • Billing and Coding: Accurate ICD-10 (H33.23) and CPT coding (e.g., 67210, 67145) essential for proper reimbursement. Avoid rejected claims.
  • Hospital Reporting: Lattice degeneration data impacts hospital reporting on retinal complications, influencing resource allocation and quality improvement initiatives.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective peripheral retinal examination techniques for detecting lattice degeneration in asymptomatic patients with high myopia?

A: In asymptomatic patients with high myopia, meticulous peripheral retinal examination is crucial for detecting lattice degeneration. While indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral indentation remains the gold standard, consider implementing wide-field imaging techniques such as ultra-widefield fundus photography and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) to enhance visualization and documentation of subtle lesions. These techniques can help identify characteristic features like atrophic retinal holes, white lines, and vitreous traction. Explore how combining multiple imaging modalities can improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate early intervention in high-risk individuals. This approach allows for comprehensive assessment and better risk stratification for potential retinal complications.

Q: How do I differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic lattice degeneration clinically, and when is prophylactic treatment warranted for asymptomatic lattice?

A: Differentiating between symptomatic and asymptomatic lattice degeneration requires a thorough clinical evaluation, including detailed patient history, visual acuity assessment, and dilated fundus examination. Symptomatic lattice may present with flashes, floaters, or visual field defects, potentially indicating a retinal tear or detachment. Asymptomatic lattice is typically discovered incidentally during routine eye examinations. Prophylactic treatment for asymptomatic lattice degeneration remains controversial. Current guidelines generally recommend observation unless specific risk factors are present, such as the presence of retinal tears, extensive lattice, or a history of retinal detachment in the fellow eye. Learn more about the latest evidence-based recommendations for managing asymptomatic lattice degeneration and the role of prophylactic laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy in reducing the risk of future retinal detachment. Consider implementing a personalized risk assessment strategy based on individual patient characteristics and clinical findings.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code H43.83 for lattice degeneration
  • Document symptoms, location, extent
  • ICD-10-CM, retinal lattice coding
  • Consider associated diagnoses
  • Differentiate paving stone from snail track

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with symptoms consistent with lattice degeneration, including flashes, floaters, or blurred vision.  Examination reveals peripheral retinal thinning characterized by lattice-like atrophic areas with sclerosed retinal vessels in the affected eye.  These areas of retinal atrophy are located in the equatorial or peripheral retina.  No retinal tears or detachments are observed at this time.  Symptoms and findings are consistent with the diagnostic criteria for lattice retinal degeneration.  Patient education regarding the increased risk of retinal detachment associated with lattice degeneration was provided, including the importance of recognizing warning signs such as a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light.  The patient understands the importance of regular ophthalmologic follow-up for monitoring of retinal status.  Current management plan includes observation with dilated fundus examination at specified intervals.  Differential diagnosis includes other peripheral retinal degenerations such as snail track degeneration and pavingstone degeneration.  ICD-10 code G21.87, other specified disorders of retina, is appropriate for this diagnosis.  CPT code 92250, ophthalmoscopy, may be used for billing purposes for the dilated fundus examination.  Prognosis is generally good with regular monitoring, but patient was counseled on the importance of prompt evaluation if new symptoms develop.
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