Facebook tracking pixel
H40.049
ICD-10-CM
Ocular Hypertension

Understanding Ocular Hypertension: Find information on diagnosis codes (ICD-10 H40.1), clinical documentation requirements, intraocular pressure (IOP) management, and treatment options for ocular hypertension. Learn about glaucoma risk factors associated with high eye pressure and the importance of regular eye exams for early detection and prevention of vision loss. Explore resources for healthcare professionals, including medical coding guidelines and best practices for documenting ocular hypertension in patient charts.

Also known as

Elevated Intraocular Pressure
Ocular HTN

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Elevated eye pressure without optic nerve damage or vision loss.
  • Clinical Signs : Often no noticeable symptoms. Eye pressure readings above normal.
  • Common Settings : Ophthalmologist or optometrist office during routine eye exams.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC H40.049 Coding
H40-H42

Glaucoma

Covers various types of glaucoma, including ocular hypertension.

H52-H54

Visual disturbances and blindness

May be relevant if ocular hypertension affects vision.

I95-I99

Other circulatory diseases

Relates to circulatory aspects of ocular conditions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Elevated IOP without optic nerve damage?

  • Yes

    Is there any suspicion of glaucoma?

  • No

    Do NOT code as ocular hypertension. Evaluate for other conditions.

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Ocular Hypertension
Glaucoma
Normal Tension Glaucoma

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Ocular hypertension diagnosis: Elevated IOP without optic nerve damage
  • Document IOP measurements (mmHg) from multiple visits
  • Exclude secondary causes of elevated IOP (e.g., medication)
  • Assess optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer
  • Gonioscopy to rule out angle closure glaucoma

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Unspecified Laterality

    Coding ocular hypertension without specifying right, left, or bilateral eye can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data.

  • Missing IOP Documentation

    Insufficient documentation of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements may cause coding audits to flag the diagnosis as unsupported.

  • Confusing with Glaucoma

    Miscoding ocular hypertension as glaucoma or vice versa can impact reimbursement and quality reporting due to severity differences.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Annual eye exams with IOP, optic nerve, and visual field assessments (ICD-10 H40.1, CPT 92014).
  • Document family history of glaucoma, medications, and other risk factors for accurate coding (ICD-10 Z86.0).
  • Use consistent terminology (e.g., ocular hypertension, glaucoma suspect) for CDI and compliant billing.
  • Monitor and document progression with pachymetry and OCT for better risk stratification (CPT 76514, 92134).
  • Educate patients on lifestyle modifications (e.g., exercise, diet) and medication adherence for optimal management.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • Verify IOP >21 mmHg on 2 separate visits
  • Confirm open anterior chamber angle
  • Rule out secondary causes of elevated IOP
  • Assess optic nerve and visual field for glaucoma damage
  • Document risk factors for glaucoma conversion

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Ocular Hypertension reimbursement hinges on accurate ICD-10 H40.1 coding, impacting RVU assignment and medical billing efficiency.
  • Quality metrics for Ocular Hypertension track IOP control (H40.1-Y53.0) and visual field testing frequency, affecting hospital reporting and physician performance.
  • Proper documentation of optic nerve assessment and cup-to-disc ratio directly influences Ocular Hypertension diagnosis coding and subsequent claim payments.
  • Timely follow-up and patient education on medication adherence enhance Ocular Hypertension management and impact quality reporting data.

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 H40.1, specify laterality
  • Document IOP, C/D ratio
  • Exclude secondary causes H40.x
  • Check optic nerve assessment
  • Review visual field testing

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with ocular hypertension, defined as elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) without optic nerve damage or visual field loss.  Risk factors assessed included family history of glaucoma, age, race, and history of myopia.  Current medications were reviewed for potential contribution to elevated IOP.  On examination, IOP measured [insert IOP OD and OS] mmHg via [insert tonometry method, e.g., Goldmann applanation tonometry].  Optic nerve head assessment revealed [describe optic disc appearance, e.g., normal cup-to-disc ratio, no evidence of notching or rim thinning].  Visual field testing [specify test, e.g., Humphrey visual field] showed no detectable defects.  Gonioscopy was performed revealing [describe angle characteristics, e.g., open angles].  Pachymetry readings were [insert central corneal thickness OD and OS] microns.  Assessment: Ocular hypertension.  Plan:  Patient education provided regarding glaucoma risk factors and the importance of regular monitoring.  Baseline visual field and optic nerve imaging [specify imaging modality, e.g., OCT] obtained.  No medical intervention initiated at this time.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe, e.g., 3 months] for repeat IOP measurement, optic nerve assessment, and visual field testing.  Patient advised to return sooner if they experience any visual changes.  Differential diagnosis included primary open-angle glaucoma suspect, corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension, and pseudoexfoliation syndrome.  ICD-10 code H40.10 assigned.
Ocular Hypertension - AI-Powered ICD-10 Documentation