Understanding legal blindness diagnosis, visual acuity, and visual field loss is crucial for accurate healthcare documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on ICD-10 codes for legal blindness, including H54.0 and qualifying criteria related to central visual acuity and peripheral vision. Learn about Snellen chart measurements, visual field testing, and the impact of legal blindness on daily living, enabling proper clinical documentation and coding for optimal patient care.
Also known as
Blindness and low vision
Covers various types of vision loss, including legal blindness.
Personal history of legal blindness
Indicates a past diagnosis of legal blindness, currently resolved.
Visual disturbances
Includes unspecified visual impairments that may contribute to legal blindness.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Best-corrected visual acuity 20/200 or worse?
Yes
Visual field 20 degrees or less?
No
Is there any visual impairment?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Legal blindness |
Low vision |
Visual impairment |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for legal blindness impacts severity and reimbursement.
Confusing visual acuity codes (H54) with visual field codes (H53) leads to inaccurate blindness diagnosis coding.
Failing to code the underlying medical condition causing legal blindness (e.g., diabetic retinopathy) hinders data analysis.
Patient presents with significantly impaired vision consistent with legal blindness. Visual acuity testing reveals central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in the better eye with best correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. The patient reports difficulty with activities of daily living including reading, facial recognition, and independent navigation. Etiology of vision loss may include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or other ophthalmologic conditions. Assessment includes a comprehensive eye exam including Snellen chart testing, visual field assessment, dilated fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography as indicated. Diagnosis of legal blindness significantly impacts the patients quality of life and functional independence. Patient education was provided regarding low vision aids and resources, including assistive technology, orientation and mobility training, and support groups. Referral to a low vision specialist is recommended for further evaluation and management of visual impairment. Plan also includes ongoing monitoring of visual function and addressing any underlying ophthalmologic conditions. ICD-10 code H54.7, legal blindness, is documented for medical coding and billing purposes. The patient's prognosis for vision restoration is guarded given the severity of visual impairment. Focus will be on maximizing remaining vision and enhancing functional abilities through rehabilitation and adaptive strategies.