Facebook tracking pixelMacular Degeneration - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation
H35.30
ICD-10-CM
Macular Degeneration

Understanding macular degeneration diagnosis codes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including dry AMD and wet AMD, along with relevant ICD-10 codes like H35.32 and other diagnostic criteria. Learn about visual acuity tests, Amsler grid results, and treatment procedures like anti-VEGF injections for optimizing patient care and accurate healthcare reimbursement. Explore the latest research, clinical trials, and best practices for managing macular degeneration in medical records and coding workflows.

Also known as

Age-related Macular Degeneration
AMD

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Eye disease affecting the macula, causing central vision loss.
  • Clinical Signs : Blurry or distorted central vision, difficulty with detail, dark spots.
  • Common Settings : Ophthalmologist office, retina specialist clinic, low vision rehabilitation.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H35.30 Coding
H35.3-

Macular degeneration

Covers various types of macular degeneration.

H35.0-

Other retinal disorders

Includes some less common macular issues.

H47.1-

Disorders of optic nerve/visual pathways

May be relevant in advanced cases affecting vision.

Z98.8-

Other specified postprocedural states

For complications after macular treatment.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the macular degeneration related to age?

  • Yes

    Is it wet AMD?

  • No

    Is there any other specified cause?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Central vision loss, age-related
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal detachment

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Macular degeneration diagnosis code (e.g., H35.32, H35.31)
  • Laterality: Specify right eye, left eye, or bilateral
  • Type: Dry AMD, Wet AMD, or unspecified
  • Stage: Early, intermediate, or advanced/late
  • Visual acuity assessment documented for each eye

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Coding Errors

    Incorrect or missing laterality coding (right, left, bilateral) for macular degeneration impacts reimbursement and data accuracy. Relevant ICD-10 codes include H35.30 - H35.36.

  • Dry vs. Wet AMD Coding

    Miscoding dry (non-neovascular) vs. wet (neovascular) AMD leads to inaccurate severity reflection. Crucial for proper treatment and resource allocation. ICD-10: H35.32, H35.31.

  • Unspecified Stage Coding

    Coding unspecified macular degeneration stages when further detail is available in documentation causes data loss. CDI can clarify stage for precise coding and quality metrics.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • ICD-10 H35.3, AMD: Comprehensive eye exam, Amsler grid test, OCT imaging
  • Document drusen type, location, pigment changes for accurate AMD diagnosis coding
  • HEDIS AMD measures: Ensure appropriate screenings, patient education, follow-up documented
  • HCC coding: Capture AMD severity (neovascular vs. dry) for risk adjustment accuracy
  • Regular AREDS supplement intake, smoking cessation counseling, low vision aids for AMD management

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify visual acuity decrease, ICD-10 H35.3, document Amsler grid results.
  • Assess drusen presence/type, fundus photos, document pigment changes.
  • Confirm central vision loss, OCT imaging, exclude other diagnoses (diabetic retinopathy).
  • Check family history, genetic predisposition, document risk factors (smoking, age).

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Macular Degeneration Reimbursement: Coding accuracy impacts payments for injections, imaging, and office visits. Optimize ICD-10 (H35.3-) and CPT (e.g., 67028, 92060) codes for maximum reimbursement.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: HEDIS measures track visual acuity and anti-VEGF therapy adherence. Accurate documentation is crucial for appropriate risk adjustment and quality reporting.
  • Hospital Reporting: AMD diagnosis data impacts severity scores and resource allocation. Accurate coding ensures proper DRG assignment and reflects patient complexity for better reimbursement.
  • Coding Accuracy: Avoid claim denials by differentiating dry (H35.30) vs. wet (H35.32, etc.) AMD. Proper laterality coding (RT/LT) impacts billing and data analysis.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

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

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code laterality: H53.011/H53.012
  • Specify wet/dry AMD: H35.32/H35.31
  • Document visual acuity for H53
  • Neovascular AMD: H35.32
  • Atrophic AMD: H35.31

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints consistent with macular degeneration symptoms, including blurred vision, central vision loss, scotomas, and difficulty with activities of daily living such as reading and driving.  Visual acuity assessment reveals reduced central vision in the affected eye(s).  Amsler grid testing demonstrates metamorphopsia or central scotoma.  Fundoscopic examination reveals drusen, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) changes consistent with either dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or wet AMD characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), subretinal fluid, andor hemorrhage.  Fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed to confirm diagnosis and assess the extent of macular involvement.  Differential diagnosis includes diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and other retinal disorders.  Diagnosis of age-related macular degeneration, dry form or wet form, was established based on clinical findings and diagnostic imaging results.  Patient education provided regarding AMD progression, risk factors, and available treatment options including anti-VEGF therapy for wet AMD, low vision rehabilitation, and nutritional support with AREDS2 vitamins.  Follow-up scheduled for monitoring disease progression and management. ICD-10 code H35.3 (Age-related macular degeneration) assigned.  CPT codes for diagnostic testing, such as 92250 (ophthalmoscopy), 92275 (fluorescein angiography), and 92134 (OCT) were billed appropriately.  Patient advised to report any changes in vision promptly.