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H55.00
ICD-10-CM
Nystagmus

Find comprehensive information on nystagmus diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10 H55.0), and healthcare provider resources. Learn about different types of nystagmus, such as acquired nystagmus and congenital nystagmus, along with associated symptoms, causes, and treatment options. This resource provides essential guidance for accurate nystagmus documentation and coding for healthcare professionals, ensuring proper medical record keeping and billing practices. Explore in-depth information on infantile nystagmus syndrome, pendular nystagmus, jerk nystagmus, and other related conditions.

Also known as

Involuntary Eye Movement
Oscillating Eye Movements

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Involuntary, rhythmic eye movements
  • Clinical Signs : Oscillating eyes, blurred vision, dizziness, vertigo
  • Common Settings : Neurological exams, ophthalmology clinics, vestibular testing

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H55.00 Coding
H55.0-H55.9

Nystagmus and other irregular eye movements

Involuntary eye movements, including nystagmus of various types.

H46.0-H46.9

Paralytic strabismus

Eye muscle paralysis can sometimes cause nystagmus.

H61.2-H61.2

Labyrinthitis

Inner ear inflammation can cause vertigo and sometimes nystagmus.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the nystagmus congenital?

  • Yes

    Is it due to albinism?

  • No

    Is it acquired?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Involuntary eye movements
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Vestibular Neuritis

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Nystagmus type: pendular, jerk, etc.
  • Direction: horizontal, vertical, torsional
  • Frequency and amplitude of nystagmus
  • Gaze position or head posture inducing nystagmus
  • Associated symptoms: vertigo, oscillopsia, etc.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Nystagmus

    Coding H55.0 without specifying laterality or cause risks claim denial. CDI should query for details to ensure specific coding (e.g., H55.00, H55.01, H55.1).

  • Congenital vs Acquired

    Miscoding congenital nystagmus (H55.0) as acquired (H55.1) impacts quality metrics and reimbursement. Proper documentation is crucial for accurate code assignment.

  • Nystagmus with other conditions

    Failing to code associated conditions like albinism or multiple sclerosis alongside nystagmus leads to underreporting severity and lost revenue. CDI should clarify relationships.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Document nystagmus type, direction, and gaze for accurate ICD-10 coding (H55.x).
  • CDI: Query clinician for onset, triggers, and associated symptoms for complete HPI.
  • Ensure medical necessity for vestibular testing aligns with payer guidelines for compliance.
  • Document impact on vision and daily activities for functional status reporting and HCC coding.
  • Use precise, standardized terminology (e.g., 'pendular,' 'jerk') in clinical documentation.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Confirm nystagmus type (e.g., jerk, pendular)
  • Document direction (horizontal, vertical, torsional)
  • Assess for associated symptoms (vertigo, oscillopsia)
  • Evaluate with Frenzel lenses to suppress fixation
  • Consider imaging/neuro exam if cause unclear

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Nystagmus reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10-CM coding (H55.X) and precise documentation of type and etiology for maximum payment.
  • Quality metrics for Nystagmus involve tracking diagnosis completion, appropriate neuro-ophthalmological exams, and patient outcome measures.
  • Coding errors for Nystagmus can lead to claim denials, impacting revenue cycle management and hospital reimbursement.
  • Proper documentation and coding of Nystagmus support accurate hospital reporting for quality improvement and resource allocation.

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 H55 for nystagmus
  • Specify laterality: right, left, bilateral
  • Document type: congenital, acquired
  • Add cause if known: H55.0-, H55.1-
  • Check for associated codes: strabismus, vertigo

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with involuntary eye movements, clinically identified as nystagmus.  Onset, frequency, and triggers of the nystagmus were assessed.  Characteristics of the nystagmus, including pendular nystagmus, jerk nystagmus, amplitude, frequency, and direction (horizontal nystagmus, vertical nystagmus, torsional nystagmus) were documented.  The patient's visual acuity, visual field defects, and any associated symptoms such as oscillopsia, vertigo, dizziness, or balance problems were evaluated.  Differential diagnosis considerations included congenital nystagmus, acquired nystagmus, central nervous system disorders, inner ear disorders, medications, and toxins.  Neurological examination, including cranial nerve assessment, was performed.  Further investigations may include electronystagmography (ENG), vestibular testing, MRI brain with and without contrast, or CT scan of the head depending on suspected etiology.  The patient's medical history, family history of nystagmus, and current medications were reviewed.  Treatment plan will be determined based on the underlying cause and may include observation, medication management for underlying conditions, vision therapy, or referral to a specialist such as a neuro-ophthalmologist or otolaryngologist.  Patient education on nystagmus management and prognosis was provided.  Follow-up appointments were scheduled for ongoing monitoring and assessment of treatment efficacy.  ICD-10 code for nystagmus (H55) and relevant modifiers will be applied for medical billing and coding purposes.
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